Reach for the sky: Skylar Miller grabs hat trick in victory over Sam Houston

Junior forward Skylar Miller’s three goals helped her book her place in Houston’s hat trick history as the Cougars soared past Sam Houston in a 5-0 win on Thursday.

Miller’s hat trick was the ninth in Houston program history and the first since Sept. 1, 2024, when Juliet Moore nabbed three against Texas State.

“It feels great,” Miller said. “Definitely couldn’t have done it without my teammates and my coaches, but just really proud that everything is falling into place.”

Miller got her evening started in the 13th minute with a headed goal into the bottom right corner off a cross from junior forward Jada Arthurs. 

Four minutes later, Miller struck again when sophomore forward Samira Minor shot a free kick toward the Bearkats’ goal. Senior goalkeeper Hannah Stipp couldn’t properly secure the ball, allowing Miller to poach in to double the lead.

The trifecta was completed three minutes into the second half when junior midfielder Casey Maddox played a perfectly weighted pass to Miller, who rounded Stipp and slotted the ball into an empty net to make it 4-0 and etch her name in the history books.

“I thought Skylar was excellent today,” coach Ben Williams said. “She could’ve scored another couple, but the chances she took were excellent, so we’re proud of her.”

Sophomore forward Bailey Cate nabbed the third goal in the 41st minute with a turn-and-shoot that hit the post and went into the net off a pass from freshman forward Elle Sloan. 

Sophomore midfielder Madyson Bentil issued the last blow in the 83rd minute off a corner kick pass from senior midfielder Ava Shannon.

The Cougars finished with 27 shots (11 on target) to Sam Houston’s five, playing the direct, attacking football Williams wants from his group.

“I thought we played with a lot more intensity and a lot more forward thinking,” Williams said.

Now sitting with a 3-1-3 record, the Cougars end non-conference play at home on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 6 p.m., when they take on their neighbors, Texas Southern.