The Seahawks improved to 10-6-1 overall and 5-3-0 in league play they picked up their ninth victory in their last 10 matchups against the Tigers. Towson, meanwhile, dipped to 1-14-1 and 1-7-0 with the setback.

"This was a very tough game as Towson is a dangerous team on their home field," said UNCW Head Coach Paul Cairney. "The game flowed back and forth and we could not find a good rhythm and credit Towson for putting us under pressure. We had a great team effort for the entire 90 minutes and our team simply battled the whole way.

"Maddie (McCormick) was obviously a big factor today and she took her chances with great composure," Cairney added. "Our whole team deserves great credit for attacking with some flair, however, we need to stay disciplined and focused as we defend. Now we put this behind us and get ready for a very good George Mason team on Sunday."

With the score tied at 1-all midway through the first half, McCormick capitalized on a one-on-one opportunity with Towson sophomore keeper Erin Quinn in the 26th minute to give UNCW a 2-1 edge. Senior Stephanie Rose was credited with an assist on the play.

A goal by Towson junior Emily Banes leveled the score at 2-all at the 33:04 mark, but McCormick put the Seahawks back in front just 33 seconds later as she got behind the Tigers defense and beat Quinn for the eventual game-winning tally.

The Newark, Del., product completed her natural hat trick at the 57:48 mark as she took a through ball from junior Natalie Winslow and once again converted a one-on-one opportunity with Quinn for her sixth goal of the season. She also became the first UNCW player to record a hat trick since former UNCW standout Kristine Mengle found the back of the net three times in an 8-0 victory over Youngstown State on Sept. 10, 2004.

Rose closed out the scoring in the 61st minute, collecting the ball at midfield before making her way through the Tigers defense and depositing the ball in the back of the net for her team leading 10th goal of the campaign.  

Sophomore Stephanie Bronson put the Seahawks ahead early, converting a cross from senior Amanda Holmes exactly three minutes into the start of the contest to give UNCW a 1-0 advantage. The goal was Bronson's third tally of the season.

Sophomore Taylor Knier tied the game at 1-all in the 14th minute, using a cross from sophomore Katyln Axenfield to record her first tally of the campaign.

Both teams attempted 16 shots during the contest while Towson held a 7-5 edge in corner kicks taken. Senior Caitlin Hunter made six saves in goal for the Seahawks while Quinn finished the game with four stops for the Tigers.

Both teams return to action Sunday with 1 p.m. CAA matinees. UNCW travels to George Mason while Towson entertains Georgia State.