LOUISBURG, N.C. – Louisburg College men's soccer opened Region 10 play in convincing fashion on Sunday afternoon, rolling past Richard Bland College 5-1 behind a hat trick performance from sophomore forward Jaden Hilliard of Jacksonville, NC.

The Hurricanes (2-0 overall, 1-0 Region 10) wasted little time setting the tone. With 32:12 left in the first half, Hilliard pressured the Statesmen keeper, stripped the ball away, and buried the game's opening goal.

Just over 13 minutes later, Hilliard struck again. Off a long free kick from beyond midfield by Trey Makoni, Hilliard found space behind the defense and finished for his second goal of the day to double the Hurricanes' lead.

Louisburg pushed the margin to 3-0 with 16:25 remaining in the half when  Jason Salinas slipped a pass to his brother, Boni Salinas, who delivered a clean strike into the back of the net.

Richard Bland cut into the deficit early in the second half, converting a penalty kick by Victor Manuel with 40:47 left to make it 3-1. But the Hurricanes closed strong, reclaiming momentum in the closing minutes.

With 4:04 to play, Hilliard turned playmaker, setting up Euan Russell for his first goal of the season to extend the lead. Just two minutes later, Hilliard capped the afternoon with his third goal, calmly finishing a penalty kick to complete his hat trick and seal the 5-1 victory.

Louisburg now turns its attention to another Region 10 matchup on Thursday, September 18, when the Hurricanes host Wake Tech Community College at 2 p.m.