Azia Javier’s hat trick helps Young to Public League semis

Azia Javier kept Young rolling through the Public League playoffs on Saturday by netting a hat trick in the Dolphins 4-0 quarterfinal victory over Lincoln Park at Lane.

“We like to score early and often,” Javier said. “We don’t like being behind, so we try to build up a lead. We are an offensive-minded team and know that the teams we’re going to see, we’ve played, but that doesn’t stop us from doing what we do.”

After playing to a stalemate for most of the first half, Javier recorded in a goal in the 26th minute for Young (14-5-2).

Javier’s second goal came 11 minutes later as she accelerated down the right side of the field, knocking it in just over the Lincoln Park goalie’s outstretched arms.

Javier wasn’t done though. Seven minutes into the second half, she took a shot from the far right corner of the box that rocketed past the goalie’s arms into the upper left corner of the goal.

Young continued the pressure and picked up its final goal when freshman Madison Ekern knocked in a goal from in front of the goal to create the final margin.

Lincoln Park (3-6-5), which had somewhat of an offensive attack in the first half, was unable to create any kind of pressure for Young defense in the second half.

“Over the season we’ve done a great job getting everyone involved, that’s something we look to do in every game,” Javier said. “We know our opponent in the next round (Payton) is a tough team because they’re in the Premier division. Every team is going to bring it because it’s the playoffs. You just have to be ready.”