Huelsman's hat trick and record-breaking day leads Men's Soccer to 4-1 victory over Heidelberg

Christian Huelsman

By Patrick Massara

| Box Score |

ADA — Christian Huelsman continued a spectacular freshman year as he recorded his first career hat trick to lead the Ohio Northern men’s soccer team to a 4-1 win over Heidelberg Wednesday afternoon at the ONU Soccer Field.

The Polar Bears move to 13-3-1 overall and 4-1-1 in Ohio Athletic Conference play, while the Student Princes move to 5-9-2 overall and 2-3-1 in league play.

His OAC-leading 14 goals breaks ONU coach Brent Ridenour’s record for goals in a season by a freshman.

Ridenour’s record of 13 had stood since 1991.

Although no goals were scored in the first half, both teams broke through early in the second.

At 45:19, senior Adam Ross scored his fifth goal of the season as freshman Nate Bascom fed him a cross from the endline.

Only a few minutes later, Heidelberg’s Billy Banks scored his first goal this season as controlled a free ball and ripped a shot from 15 yards out to tie the game at 1-1 at 48:00.

At the 69:41 mark, Huelsman began his barrage as he tapped in a Ross shot for his first goal of the game to put the Polar Bears back on top 2-1.

The assist is Ross’ seventh of the season.

Huelsman put in another goal at 75:14 as he redirected a cross from Bascom to put ONU up 3-1.

Bascom now has three assists on the year.

Huelsman then broke the record at the 80:21 mark from a pass from fellow freshman Greg Stawicki that allowed him to beat the goalie and score from 10 yards out.

The assist gives Stawicki two on the season.

Huelsman’s OAC-leading 32 points remains one behind Ridenour’s freshman record.

“We played well in the second half today,” Ridenour said. “Our center midfielders were the key as they played an outstanding second half.”

The Polar Bears have Senior Day Saturday afternoon as they host Otterbein at 2 pm.