(box score)
Sophomore Natalie Gifford (Morton, PA) recorded a first-half hat trick for Widener, which notched its third straight win with a 6-0 Commonwealth Conference triumph over Arcadia at Edith R. Dixon Field.
Gifford scored the only goal Widener (11-4, 4-2 CC) would need in the 17th minute off a feed from senior Brittany Dippolito (Pennsauken, NJ). Gifford also tallied in the 26th minute from junior Megan Scarpinato (Sewell, NJ) and two minutes later off a pass from junior Shannon Fien (Millville, NJ).
Gifford, the reigning conference Player of the Week, becomes the 16th player in Widener history to score at least three goals in one game.
Senior Jackie Elliot (Upper Darby, PA), Dippolito and sophomore Kate Fay (West Chester, PA) scored six minutes apart in the second half for the Pride, who ended with a 25-5 shots advantage.
Senior Katie Jensen (Center Valley, PA) made four saves over 35 minutes for Widener.
Rachel Palis notched a team-best five saves for the Knights (4-11, 0-6).
Widener ends the regular season Friday at No. 7 Lebanon Valley. Game time in Annville, PA is 4:00 pm.