ASHLAND — The Arrows wasted no time taking control Tuesday night.
Ashland (9-1-2, 6-0-1 OCC) started strong with six first-half goals and cruised to an 11-0 victory over West Holmes, claiming the program’s first Ohio Cardinal Conference title in more than a decade.
It’s also the first OCC crown the Arrows have captured with eighth-year Ashland coach Dustin Hosler at the helm.
Lexington’s loss to Dover on Sept. 26 helped the Arrows claim this year’s title outright. Ashland tied the Minutemen (0-0) earlier this season back on Sept. 15.
The Arrows’ attack came out aggressive from the start, building a comfortable 6-0 lead before halftime. Ashland continued to pressure the Knights after the break, adding five more goals before the clock hit zeros at Ringler Soccer Complex.
Hendrix Early scored the Arrows’ final goal with less than five minutes remaining, giving Ashland its 11th goal of the night.
Three different Arrows scored a pair of goals (Leo Heckman, Ethan Haag and Maddox Mager), along with five others who notched one goal each (Jonah Coffee, Landon Hagedorn, Luke Lavengood, Hendrix Early and Hunter White).
Hosler said the Arrows knew they needed to attack early.
“We knew we had to stay focused, attack early and get on the board early and not let a team stick around,” Hosler said.
The Arrows also kept their composure despite the strong lead.
“I think we stayed composed,” Hosler said. “They did what we asked them and they didn’t let up tonight.”
The championship marks Ashland’s first OCC title since 2015. The Arrows will turn their attention to Wadsworth (5-3-4) on Saturday.
Hosler said the team has tried to maintain a simple approach throughout the season.
“We’ve had a motto all year, ‘One game at a time,’ which is, you know, cliche, but we’ve really embraced it this year,” he said.
For now, that means enjoying Tuesday’s win before focusing on Saturday’s 3 p.m. matchup with the Grizzlies.
“We’re gonna enjoy this a little bit tonight,” Hosler said. “We’re going to turn our sights to Wadsworth on Saturday and that’s what we’re going to stay focused on.”
See more photos from Tuesday night’s game:
