The Scots' Paige Piper battles for possession during her four-goal game against John Carroll Tuesday.

WOOSTER, Ohio – Paige Piper scored four times, tying a College of Wooster single-game record for goals, with the fourth coming in the 88th minute to seal a wild, back-and-forth 5-3 win against John Carroll University, as the Fighting Scots prevailed Tuesday after seeing their seemingly comfortable 3-0 lead turn into a tie.

Piper's four-goal game was just the second in team history, matching Larisa Fricson's record set in 1991.

Piper, starting for the first time since an early-season injury, recorded a hat trick within the first 33 minutes of action, as Wooster quickly ahead 3-0. The first score came on a rare goalkeeper assist, with Michele Ring driving a free kick from just inside the midfield line into the box where Piper headed it in during the fifth minute. She found the back of the net with another header less than seven minutes later, redirecting a long pass from defender Esther Bryant, positioned near the left sideline, into the net.

It remained 2-0 until the 33rd minute. This time, Piper got free with the possession just outside the box, then as she was challenged by a couple of defenders, she slid a shot inside the right post, securing the second hat trick of the junior's career.

John Carroll (4-4) came out with a renewed spirit during the second half, with most of the play taking place in the Scots' defensive half. The Blue Streaks' persistence paid off twice in the 63rd minute, as they connected on goals just 26 seconds apart. First, Kristen Profeta touched in a cross delivered by Clare Wellott that had deflected off of Ring's hands, and moments later, Kelly Kertis converted on a Colleen Harmon cross, suddenly making it a 3-2 game.

During the 72nd minute, John Carroll would gain further momentum when Profeta collected the ball at the top of the box, made a quick pass to the left where Rachel Grdina placed it inside the left post, barely out of the reach of a diving Ring.

Wooster would regain its composure. While Piper didn't get credit for the fourth goal, she played a key role in it. The standout forward had the ball on the right side of the box, working her way towards the goal when a defender pulled her down, drawing a penalty kick. Bri Fulmer stepped up and easily converted the opportunity, nestling the ball into the left side of the net, as the Scots retook the lead in the 81st minute.

Piper capped her career day by receiving a pass from Erin Davison and juking multiple defenders, then driving the ball inside the left post for her record-tying goal. In addition to equaling the goals' mark, Piper also tied the school record for most points in a game (8), which has occurred three previous times.

Statistically in the game, Wooster was outshot 21-11, but made better use of its offensive opportunities and received solid goaltending overall from Ring as she tallied six saves.

Next, the Scots continue their non-conference schedule at Case Western Reserve University (5-1-1) Saturday night.