(Danville, VA) – Hampden-Sydney got back on track as they controlled every aspect of the game destroying Averett University 4-0. The Tiger victory puts their record at 2-4, but more importantly puts them on the right track heading into conference play next Saturday.
With starting forward Bobby Hillmann (Raleigh, NC/Leesville Road) and midfielder Greg Smith (Warrenton, VA/Fauquier) plagued by injuries, the front line needed a spark to get things going. The score remained tied 0-0 until sophomore Rainer Haggerty (Hopewell, VA/Hampton Roads Academy) checked into the game and struck the net minutes later off a pass from Brian Peters (Sterling, VA/Broad Run) for the Tigers first goal at 37:51.
Peters (Sterling, VA/Broad Run) decided he wanted a piece of the action too as he got his head on a beautiful cross from Will Beasley (Virginia Beach, VA/Norfolk Academy) making the score 2-0 around the fifty-two minute mark. One minute and 24 seconds later senior forward Bobby Hillmann (Raleigh, NC/Leesville Road) , who was given limited minutes due to a nagging ankle injury, blasted a 20 yard shot past the goalie for a 3-0 lead.
Fueling the fire for the Tigers was Will Beasley (Virginia Beach, VA/Norfolk Academy) as he scored his second goal of the season on a pass from freshman Jaimie Johnson (Marion, IA/Linn Mar) putting Hampden-Sydney up 4-0. Assistant Coach Ryan Hamrick said, "I thought we played well, especially in the second half. This win will give us something to build on as we head into conference play."
The Tigers dominated the game as they had 36 total shots and put 18 of them on goal while holding Averett to just 4 shots for the entire game. Hampden-Sydney kept constant pressure on Averett's defense racking up 19 corner kicks for the game compared to Averett's 2.
Nathaniel Dallas (Hendersonville, TN/Hendersonville) , Pierce Buckingham (Richmond, VA/Christchurch) , and Murray Webb (Fayetteville, GA/The Webb School) combined for the shut out and each recorded one save.
The real season begins for Hampden-Sydney as conference play starts Saturday, September 18 at Miller Field. The Tigers host Eastern Mennonite in their first ODAC game starting at 1 pm.
Greg Smith (Warrenton, VA/Fauquier) and defender Kerry Burke (Chester, VA/Thomas Dale) , both sidelined with concussions, should return to action by mid-week and put the Tigers at full strength for conference play on Saturday.
