OBERLIN, Ohio — Ethan Simmons, Zane Biggerstaff and Bryce Kinnaman each scored as Wabash College opened North Coast Athletic Conference play with a 3-0 victory over Oberlin College on Saturday.
Simmons struck in the fourth minute before Biggerstaff and Kinnaman added goals less than three minutes apart early in the second half for Wabash (10-2-1, 1-0-0 NCAC). Oberlin (1-8-1, 0-1-0 NCAC) was held to two shots on goal. The Little Giants finished with a 16-9 advantage in shots and a 7-2 edge in shots on goal.
Simmons gave Wabash a 1-0 lead just 3:50 into the match, converting an assist from Alfredo Campos. The goal pushed Simmons to 11 points for the season.
Wabash continued to pressure the Yeomen throughout the opening half. Kinnaman and Campos each put shots on goal during a stretch in which the Little Giants recorded six shots and earned a corner kick between the 10th and 20th minutes. Oberlin also recorded a team save on another Campos attempt.
Wabash goalkeeper Rafael Cordova preserved the lead with a save on Charles Gerber in the 24th minute. The Little Giants added later first-half attempts from Johan Arroyo, Campos and Kinnaman before taking the 1-0 advantage into halftime.
Wabash quickly expanded its lead after the break. Biggerstaff scored at 52:18 off Arroyo’s first assist of the season to make it 2-0. Kinnaman followed at 54:58, converting a pass from Danny Tkachuk for a three-goal advantage.
Kinnaman’s goal gave him 21 points for the season, while Tkachuk recorded his fifth assist of the year.
The Little Giants continued to generate chances after taking the 3-0 lead. Simmons put another shot on frame in the 58th minute before Oberlin began creating more opportunities over the final 25 minutes.
Cordova stopped Sobha Magon in the 65th minute and Wabash successfully defended a series of late Oberlin chances, including five attacking actions between the 79th and 90th minutes. The Yeomen earned a corner in the 83rd minute and generated several late shots but were unable to break through.
Cordova finished with two saves while playing all 90 minutes to record the shutout.
Simmons scored the game-winning goal and put both of his shots on frame. Kinnaman finished with a team-high four shots, including two on goal, while Biggerstaff scored on his lone attempt.
Lukas Verling recorded three saves in goal for Oberlin. Gerber led the Yeomen with two shots, including one on goal, while Magon accounted for Oberlin’s other shot on target.
Wabash returns to action Wednesday with an NCAC road match at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.
