By: Andrew Korba

HIRAM, Ohio -- Senior Richie Webb (London, England/Laude Lady Elizabeth Academy) and junior John Pretzlav (Chagrin Falls, Ohio/Kenston) each had a goal and an assist to lead the Hiram College men's soccer team past Wooster 3-1 in its NCAC opener on Saturday night.

The Terriers improve to 5-2-2 on the season and 1-0-0 in the NCAC, while the Fighting Scots fall to 2-7-1, 0-1-0.

Pretzlav's assist came at the 11:06 mark of the contest. He sent a long pass to sophomore Quinn Galecki (Lancaster, Ohio) on the left side. Galecki controlled the ball and chipped it over the drawn out keeper to the near post to give the Terriers a early 1-0 lead.

Just two minutes later, Pretzlav was able to find the back of the net. Webb sent a pass into the box and Pretzlav converted on a header attempt, sliding it past the goal to give the Terriers a 2-0 edge. The goal was the first of his career.

Wooster would get on the board in the 40th minute, when Matt Ehrenburg converted on a free kick from just outside the box.

Moments later, the Fighting Scots had another chance as Andrew Klein sent a long shot towards the net. Senior Matt Sacher (Akron, Ohio/Coventry) made a leaping stop, tipping the ball just over the crossbar to preserve the Hiram lead.

Early in the second half, the Terriers had a golden chance to score. Junior Zac Cairns (North Olmsted, Ohio/St. Edward) fired a shot over the drawn out Fighting Scot goalie, but his effort hit the post. A follow up effort from junior Vaal Ngalla (Pickerington, Ohio/St. Charles Prep) was deflected out of bounds, keeping the score 2-1.

Webb would give Hiram a 3-1 lead at the 57:43 mark, taking a pass from junior Jake Pastore (Canton, Ohio/GlenOak) and beating the keeper to the lower right for his third goal of the season.

Wooster would not threaten for the remainder of the match, as the Terrier defense held steady.

Sacher picked up his fourth win of the season by making three saves in the first half. Junior Chris Lindemeyer (Lodi, Ohio/Cloverleaf) posted a scoreless half of action in goal as well.

Hiram held a 16-9 edge in shot, inlcuding a 9-3 advantage in the second half. The Terriers also held a 5-4 advantage in corner kicks.

Hiram will return to action on Wednesday, when it hosts non-conference foe Otterbein at 7:30 p.m.