BABSON PARK, FL. - The Warriors picked up their first win of the regular season this afternoon, defeating Ave Maria 3-0. Gonzalo Ruiz bagged a hat-trick in the game, with assists from fellow Spaniard Julen Esteban and Conor Dunne.
 
Ruiz's first came in the 40th minute, after Michael Dowson found Esteban on the right flank. Esteban sent a perfect ball across the face of goal, which was headed in by Ruiz at the far post.
 
Webber's second came in the 42nd minute, which was created when Dowson played an exceptional ball to Dunne. The man from Milton set Ruiz free with a skillful flick, who netted his second from an acute angle.
 
Ruiz claimed his hat-trick in the 50th minute. An energetic run from Dunne left the Gyrenes speechless. While he could have shot, Dunne remained selfless and found Ruiz unmarked at the far post, who slotted the ball into the empty net from close range.
 
Dunne almost clinched a hat-trick of assists. Another teasing run down the right was concluded when Dunne found Dylan Erskine in the box. The 6'3 freshman struck the ball first time, but was unfortunately denied by the woodwork.
 
Freshman goalkeeper Matthew Brust also played a big part in the victory, keeping the Warriors in the game with several superb saves.
 
Coach Cockburn said: “I feel that we are getting better with every game.
 
“All the players played well, especially Matthew Brust, Mark Araujo, Conor Dunne and of course, Gonzalo Ruiz. These players really stepped up their game today.
 
“Finding our first win in the conference is good preparation for SCAD this weekend.”

The Warriors improve their record to 1-3-1 and 1-0 in The Sun Conference and Ave Maria fell to 2-1 and 1-1 in The Sun Conference.

The warriors' next conference game will be against SCAD this Saturday in Savannah, Georgia at 7pm.