(October 17, 2007) HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, VA – Tigers' freshman goalkeeper John Robert Plyler (Charlotte, NC/Myers Park) recorded his fourth career shutout and junior midfielder Jason Powell (Marietta, GA/Pope) extended the Hampden-Sydney lead on a goal with just under 17 minutes to play as the Tigers claimed an important 2-0 win over defending ODAC champion Lynchburg College on Wednesday afternoon. The victory improves Hampden-Sydney's record to 9-5-2, 5-1-1 in the ODAC, and puts the Tigers in excellent position to earn a top-four seed and first round home match in the upcoming ODAC tournament.

The match was intense from the outset, as both sides put pressure on the opposition in the first half. The Tigers out-shot the Hornets 8-5 in the opening half, but Lynchburg keeper Marcus Jordan held Hampden-Sydney scoreless with three first half saves. Plyler kept the Hornets at bay with two saves of his own in the first half, and teams went to the locker room knotted at 0-0.

In the 60th minute, Hampden-Sydney was finally able to force a mistake with their pressure, and was the fortunate beneficiary of a Lynchburg own goal to take a 1-0 advantage.

With Lynchburg pressing for the equalizer, the Tigers all but sealed the game in the 74th minute, when junior midfielder Jason Butler (Richmond, VA/Mills Godwin) intercepted a ball near midfield and placed a through ball at the feet of Powell. Powell collected the pass and drove a low shot past Jordan near post from 16 yards out, giving Hampden-Sydney a 2-0 lead.

Hampden-Sydney's defensive line and midfield turned away all Lynchburg (9-5-1, 3-3-1 ODAC) threats in the final 16 minutes of play to secure the crucial conference win.

For the match, the Tigers enjoyed a narrow advantage in shots (14-12) while both sides earned five corner kick opportunities.

The Tigers are 8-1-2 in their last 11 matches, with Plyler improving his personal record to 8-1-1 on the season. Sophomore defender Michael Carter (Fredericksburg, VA/Massaponax) made his return to the starting lineup after battling nagging injuries and played strong in the back for 90 minutes.

Hampden-Sydney will play its final home game of the regular season this Saturday, Oct. 20, when it welcomes ODAC-foe Roanoke College for a 1 pm match.