Adam Howard had a hat trick to help lead the Union Pines boys' soccer team to a 3-1 league victory Monday in Lillington over the Western Harnett Eagles.

The first of Howard's three tallies came in the 39th minute of the 3-A Cape Fear Valley Conference contest, tying the tilt at 1-1. Viking senior fullback Robert MacPherson was credited with an assist on the goal.

Less than three minutes into the second half Howard struck again. This time the senior forward found the back of the net on a sharp send from junior midfielder Riley O'Neil. Howard capped the scoring for the night in the 61st minute when he received a perfectly placed through ball at the 19-yard line, from junior center-mid Matthew Cooper, before beating the Eagle keeper on a breakaway chance.

With the victory Union Pines improved to 3-8 overall and 3-2 in CFVC play. Western Harnett moved to 1-3 in league competition and 2-7 overall with the loss.

The Vikings are back in action Wednesday at 6 p.m. for a cross-county clash against the 1-A North Moore Mustangs (5-3-1) in Robbins.