HIRAM, Ohio – March 15, 2025 – Hiram needed all 60 minutes to secure one of its most memorable victories in recent history, as Aaron Gardner scored a game-winning goal in the final 20 seconds of a 9-8 win over Heidelberg on Saturday afternoon at Henry Field.

Ethan Mayer fired a pass, Gardner found an open lane and quickly ripped a shot to the top-right region of the net to secure a tight victory against the OAC opponent. Hiram is now 2-1 in the all-time series against the Student Princes and will enter next week riding a two-game winning streak.

The result capped off a career day for Gardner, who finished with career-highs in both assists (five) and points (six). The senior from Willoughby Hills, OH has now recorded nine points (three goals, six assists) in Hiram's two victories this week, which is also his most in a two-game span in his career.

Mayer matched his teammate with six points (three goals, three assists) of his own, while Gray Perry tied his season-high with nine ground balls. Tyler Wolke and Micky Morgan each had two goals to round out the biggest contributors on the offensive side.

Hiram was consistent all game long, as it either outscored or tied the Berg in the first, second and fourth quarters. The Terriers latched onto a 3-1 lead in the first quarter thanks to goals from Wolke, Morgan and Mayer, with Gardner assisting on the second and third scores.

Heidelberg tied the game up with two straight goals to start the second quarter before Morgan and Wolke each added their second goals of the contest to take a 5-3 lead into the intermission.

The third quarter was the lowest-scoring period, with Heidelberg scoring twice but Levi Willett keeping his team in front with a goal off a Gardner pass. With 15 minutes left in regulation, Hiram stood strong with a 6-5 lead.

Then came the back-and-forth nature of the fourth quarter, with Heidelberg tying the game at 6-6, Hiram regaining an 8-6 lead, and Heidelberg again clawing back with a pair of goals in the final 90 seconds to bring the game to an 8-8 tie with 47 seconds left.

Following a timeout, Mayer found his teammate cutting in front of the goal, delicately placing the ball in perfect position for the go-ahead score with 18 seconds on the clock. The Terriers defense took over from there, as Ethan Bitong notched a caused turnover and Perry picked up the ground ball to seal the non-conference win.

Hiram has now scored 20 goals over its last two victories, while the defense has posted some of its best performances of the season during that span, too.

The Terriers will look to keep the momentum going on Tuesday, when they travel to Pittsburgh, PA for a non-conference game against La Roche University at 5:30 p.m.