Allentown, PA -- Senior Katie Redding (Havertown, Pa. / Haverford) scored three straight goals to lift The University of Scranton field hockey team past Muhlenberg 3-1 in the season opener this afternoon.

After giving up the first goal of the game in the 21st minute, the Royals bounced back quick as Redding scored just three minutes later off an assist from fellow senior Elle Collins (Long Valley, N.J. / West Morris Central) to tie the game up at 1-1.

Redding wasted no time scoring her second goal of the game as she gave Scranton a 2-1 lead in the 26th minute off an assist from freshman Maggie Keys (Centerport, N.Y. / Harborfields).  The Royals closed out the opening half with a late chance on goal, but freshman Ava De Natale (Westchester, N.Y. / Valhalla) had her shot saved.

Scranton came out firing to start the second half and Redding was able to complete the hat trick as she scored her third goal of the game in the 41st minute of action. The Royals would go on to win by a final score of 3-1.

Junior goalkeeper Gianna Travia (Havertown, Pa. / Cardinal O'Hara) had a strong game in net as she made six saves and earned her first win of the season.

The Royals are back in action tomorrow as they host York College at 1:00 PM at Weiss Field.