Marietta soccer ends OAC Tournament run with 3-0 loss to Ohio Northern in Championship
Pioneers finish historical year 11-7-3

Nov. 8, 2008
ADA, Ohio — The Marietta College men's soccer team had its season come to an end Saturday (Nov. 8) afternoon following a 3-0 loss to host Ohio Northern University in the finals of the 2008 Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Tournament. With the win, the third-seeded Polar Bears (17-5-1) clinched their second OAC Tournament title and received the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament. The fourth-seeded Pioneers finished the year 11-7-3.

Marietta led by 11th-year Head Coach Patrick Holguin, made its third OAC Tournament appearance in school history in 2008. The Pioneers also qualified in 1997 and 2007. Marietta has one OAC Soccer Championship; the program tied for the OAC regular season title in 1984.

Ohio Northern jumped ahead early with a goal in the sixth minute. The Polar Bears sent the ball into the box. A Pioneer defender attempted to clear the ball but, instead, kicked it into the back of the net for the own goal.

The Polar Bears extended their lead to 2-0 in the 36th minute. Nate Bascom scored his 13th goal of the year by blasting a shot off the Marietta keeper's hands and past the end line. Chaz McCullah earned the assist on the play.

Ohio Northern sealed the victory in the 78th minute. Christian Huelsman, the OAC's leading scorer, put away his 16th goal of the year off his own rebound to give the Polar Bears a 3-0 win.

Marietta was out-shot 20-11 overall, and 9-2 in shots on goal in the loss. Ohio Northern also led in corner kicks, 8-2.

Marietta senior Steve Hagenau (Clearwater, Fla./Central Catholic) made six saves and allowed three goals in 83:10. Senior Tad Cochran (Westerville/Worthington Christian) worked the final 6:50 and did not make a save. Aaron Collins had one save in the win for Ohio Northern.