Senior Shawn Guderian recorded a hat trick and the UNC Wilmington men’s soccer team rolled to a 4-2 victory in the Seahawks’ season finale against George Mason on Saturday at the UNCW Soccer Stadium.

The Seahawks jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on a pair of goals from Guderian at the 21st- and 32nd-minute marks and carried that lead into halftime.

But the local product out of Ashley High School wasn’t done yet.

Shortly after the half, Guderian broke away from the defense and recorded his third goal of the night with a one-on-one stripe against the GMU goalkeeper at the 47th mark. The senior celebrated by ripping off his shirt and sprinting to the corner post, while the UNCW bench rushed to congratulate him. Guderian saw his goal total for the season rise to five, while his career total vaulted up to 12.

“I couldn’t be happier for (Shawn),” said coach Aidan Heaney. “Any frustrations he may have had before, he released them tonight. I just couldn’t be prouder for him. There were some quality balls in from Thomas Driver—he was in the right spots and he finished them and showed great composure.”

It was the first time in over three years that a UNCW player had a hat trick. Former standout Devan Carroll was the last player to accomplish the feat against William & Mary on Oct. 22, 2008.

GMU avoided the shutout with a goal in the 49th minute by senior Ryan Gracia, but UNCW pushed its lead back to three goals on an unassisted score by freshman Mateo Cardona in the 69th minute. The four Seahawk goals were the most in a single game since a 4-0 win over Hofstra, Sept. 25, 2010.

The Patriots outshot the Seahawks 13-10 during the contest and added another goal in the 86th minute, but that was the extent of the damage for UNCW as they held on for the win. UNCW finished the season 4-12-2 (2-8-1 CAA), giving them an 11th-place finish in the CAA standings.

“We’ve never been out of these games; there were a lot of games we could have won and were very close,” said Heaney. “It’s just a fine line. You’ve got to take your opportunities when you have them and tonight we did. In other games, we haven’t been able to capitalize.”

Six Seahawks played their final game in a UNCW uniform, as the team did not qualify for postseason play. Seniors Brandon Miller, Shaun Utterson, Daniel Roberts, Brian Harrison, Christian Davidson and Guderian all started the game and were recognized prior to the contest in front of the 469 people in attendance.

“They have elevated the program,” said Heaney of his seniors. “I just said to them before the game that you don’t win championships by not investing in the program and not giving 100 percent in everything you have to the program. And they’ve all done that; they’ve been outstanding.”