Zach Hedges

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — The Wittenberg men's soccer team wrapped up a stellar Homecoming Saturday for the Tiger fall teams with a 2-0 shutout of the Hiram Terriers, improving to 2-0-1 in the North Coast Athletic Conference and keeping them locked in a first-place tie for the league lead with the 2-1-1 Allegheny Gators.

The Tigers also improved back to even overall at 5-5-3 with the win. The men finished off a nearly perfect day for the Tiger Department of Athletics that saw volleyball, women's soccer and football all defeat their Hiram counterparts, while men's golf leads after one day at the DePauw Small College Classic in Indiana and women's golf is tied for second at their own Pat Clouse Invitational in Springfield.

Senior Merrick Austin (Westerville, Ohio/Central) showed some flash with the first goal of the game, one that went on to become the game-winner. Off a throw-in, Austin volleyed the ball into the net fir the score.

The next goal came with eight minutes remaining in the match, but it was some solid backfield work from a crew of Tigers that kept Hiram off the board. Junior Zach Hedges (Carroll, Ohio/Bloom Carroll), sophomore Alejandro Garcia (Toledo, Ohio/St. Francis), freshman Kevin Bond (Columbus, Ohio/Bexley), sophomore Brock Hicks (New Albany, Ohio/New Albany) and senior Spencer Hogue (Dublin, Ohio/Jerome), along with the rest of the Tiger defensive unit, ensured the shutout throughout the long middle of the match. A highlight was provided by junior goalkeeper Michael Lambeck (Dublin, Ohio/Coffman), who turned away a penalty kick opportunity in the second half to preserve the shutout.

The final margin was achieved via a goal from junior Declan McBride (Surrey, England/Tassis) on an assist from sophomore Marshall Rowland (Pewee Valley, Ky./South Oldham) in the 82nd minute.

The Tigers get back to business on Tuesday, Oct. 12, with a 7:30 p.m. contest against Kenyon at home in Springfield.

John Strawn '07