Lucy Shepherd finished with three goals and one assist. (Photo courtesy of Hofstra)

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – Lucy Shepherd recorded her first career hat-trick as the Hofstra University women claimed Long Island bragging rights for the 12th consecutive time with a 5-1 victory over Stony Brook University to open the fall campaign Thursday night.

The victory marked the 12th consecutive win over Stony Brook and improved Hofstra’s record 14-3-0 in the series.

Shepherd posted seven points, adding an assist. Miri Taylor and Amanda Ebbesson each scored once with Lucy Porter leading the way with two assists. Hofstra limited Stony Brook to one shot.

It took only five minutes for Hofstra to set the tone when Taylor volleyed home a throw-in from Shepherd fpr a 1-0 advantage. During the 13th minute, Shepherd netted her first strike as Porter laid off a beautiful pass to the left wing, setting up an empty-net opportunity to double the early lead.

Only moments into the second half, a loose ball in the box found its way to Shepherd, who volleyed it into the back of the net for her second goal. In the 61st minute, the fifth-year midfielder scored a highlight-reel goal when she lofted a curling left-footed shot from 22 yards into the top left corner of the frame to complete her hat-trick.

Stony Brook scored on its lone shot.

Ebbesson’s first goal in a Pride uniform, off a pass fro Taylor. Marlene Fries to put an exclamation point on the victory.

The Pride visits University at Albany for a 2 p.m. Saturday.

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.