ELLISVILLE – Taylor Richardson's penalty kick attempt was denied in the game's 3rd minute, but he would respond with three goals for his first career hat-trick to help No. 5 Jones to a season-opening 7-2 victory over Southern Union State.

It marked the first-ever meeting between the two programs which are 284 miles apart. 

Jones won its 11th straight home match to start the 2023 campaign 1-0.

It's rare to see two penalty kicks in a game, but Saturday's contest witnessed two in the first five minutes.

A hand ball in the box setup Richardson's attempt and a foul whistled on Jones allowed Patrick Guffey and the Bison to convert their PK for an early 1-0 lead. 

Samuel Hadley got the equalizer for the Bobcats in the 18th minute, using a flick in from Andrew Kravette.

Xabier Souto-Rodriguez gave Jones the lead for good just over three minutes later and assisted Richardson in the 22nd minute to make it a 3-1 Bobcat lead at the half.

Another newcomer, Callum Black, netted his first career goal in the 54th minute.

Richardson scored his second of the match on a serve from Black and then a beautiful back heel pass from Hadley in the 58th minute and completed his hat-trick two minutes later.

Noah Fayard put the finishing touches on the Bison with under two minutes to play. 

SUS' second goal of the match came on an own goal in the final minute.

The Bobcats outshot the Bison 29-7, including 18-4 on goal.

Liam McGrath had four saves and just one goal allowed in 70 minutes in net. Joshua Goodwin played the final 20.

Jones returns to action Friday, August 25 against Oxford-Emory at Dunnavant Valley Fields in Birmingham, Alabama.