Pia Vlok of the Wellington Phoenix Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Wellington Phoenix women are up to second in the A-League after an historic victory in Australia.
The Phoenix crushed the Jets 5-1 in Newcastle, recording their biggest ever road win.
It's their maiden win in Newcastle and forward Pia Vlok, who bagged three goals, is the first Phoenix player to score a hat-trick in the A-League.
Midfielder Emma Pijnenburg and defender Ellie Walker also scored their first goals for the club.
"That's a lot of firsts," Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman said post-match.
"I challenge the group to be pioneers and go and do firsts for this club. We knew what tonight meant and I'm really happy and over the moon with the overall performance.
"We just keep building. You can start to see the consistency that's starting to come to life in the team with the players that are now available."
The result puts them two points behind league leaders Melbourne City.
From 12 games the Phoenix have won six, drawn three and lost three.
At 17 years and 150 days Vlok is also the second youngest player to score a hat-trick in the competition's history.
"From the minute she walked through the door we've seen what you saw tonight every day in training, and I think that's the difference," Priestman said.
"She's got a really bright future. We've got to protect her a little bit and make sure she's fulfilling her potential, but she's a top player and well-liked by the group."
Priestman made one change to the XI which started last Sunday's 3-1 win over Adelaide United, with Manaia Elliott replacing Lara Wall at left wingback.
The Phoenix play Perth in Wellington on Waitangi Day.
