WINCHESTER, Va. – With teams jockeying for position in the ODAC, the Hampden-Sydney Lacrosse team traveled to Shenandoah University for a match-up that would have implications on tournament seeding.  Looking to get back in the win column, Sophomore Ray O'Brien (Scituate, MA) helped the Tigers grab their 10^th win of the season, 15-10, while the defense shut down a Hornets offense that had scored over 15 goals in eight games this season.

The defense had a big stand to start the first quarter, which the offense quickly took advantage off when Senior Bobby Clagett (Brandywine, MD) drilled an outside shot for the early lead, 1-0.  That goal was followed up by a score from Senior Sean Duffy (Ambler, PA), but the Hornets answered to trim the lead to 2-1.  However, Sophomore Ray O'Brien (Scituate, MA) would take a pass from Sophomore Holt Blythe (Virginia Beach, VA) to, once again, take a two goal advantage, 3-1.  The scoring would die down for both teams, as the defenses both dug in forcing missed shots and turnovers to end the quarter at the same score.

The second quarter began with a Freshman Campion White (Apex, NC) goal, which was assisted by Duffy at the 12:43 mark.  Shenandoah would get on the board for the second time, a few minutes later, but O'Brien scored again after getting by his defender to take a left handed shot.  The Tigers continued to score unanswered goals as Sophomore Patrick Saunders (Alexandria, VA), Clagett and O'Brien each found the net to send Hampden-Sydney into the half with the lead, 8-2. 

The Hornets came out of the half scoring three straight goals, until White ended the streak with a goal for the Tigers with 4:15 remaining in the third quarter.  Shenandoah would get two more, to pull within two, 9-7, but Duffy had an answer after O'Brien fed him as he cut to the goal to go back up by three goals, 10-7, as the quarter came to an end.

The fourth quarter saw Junior Kevin Marshall (Mt. Pleasant, SC) score his first goal of the game thanks to another O'Brien assist.  Even though the Hornets would get on the board again, White found Clagett to increase their lead to 12-8, and that was followed by two straight goals from O'Brien, along with strong play in the goal from Senior Will Perry (Roanoke, VA) to earn the ODAC win, 15-10.

Hampden-Sydney was led by O'Brien, who finished the game with 5 goals and 3 assists.  In addition, Clagett and Duffy each added 3 goals, to go along with Duffy's 3 assists.  Perry had a total of 14 saves, while the Tigers were 21-22 on clear opportunities.  The victory moves Hampden-Sydney to 10-5 overall and 5-3 in the ODAC.  They will return to action on Wednesday as they travel to Guilford for their last road game of the regular season.  Face-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.