JOPLIN, Mo. – Craig Sutherland notched his first career hat trick to lead No. 2 Midwestern State to a 5-0 win over Missouri Southern Sunday afternoon at Hal Bodon Field.

"We came out with a little more intensity than we did Friday," MSU coach Doug Elder said. "It was a wide pitch and we were able to open them up a little bit."

Sutherland, who now leads the team with nine goals, scored on a loose ball ball in the box in the 34th minute to give MSU a 1-0 halftime advantage before knocking in two more goals in the second half.

The hat trick helped the Mustangs win their eighth-straight match to improve to 10-1 on the season and 2-0 in the Southwest Soccer Conference.

Midwestern State dominated possession of the ball and outshot the Lions 24-2, including a 16-0 margin after intermission.

"We really picked it up in the second half," Elder said. "On the road, you're happy to come back with two wins no matter who you play."

Senior midfielder Rob Humphrey scored his sixth goal of the season in the 54th minute and has now scored goals in his last three matches and four of the last five, while junior striker Nick Auditore added his fourth goal of the year in the 77th minute.

William Freeman and Matt Markusen combined on Midwestern's fifth shutout of the season.

The Mustangs play host to rival West Texas A&M Friday night at the MSU Soccer Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Missouri Southern dropped to 0-10-1 overall and 0-2-1 in the SSC.