Kevin Bond Scores Twice As Tigers Top Muskingum In Opener

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Wittenberg Tigers opened the 2013 season with a convincing 4-2 win over Muskingum on the opening day of the Capital/Fort Rapids Invitational.

The win was Wittenberg's third in a row in Capital's season-opening tournament. Last year, the Tigers jumped out to a strong start to the season as well, defeating the host Crusaders and Mount Union.

The Tigers jumped on top in the 14th minute on a goal by senior Kevin Bond (Bexley, Ohio/Bexley) off a feed from freshman Tucker Stas (Bexley, Ohio/Bexley), but the Muskies answered just eight minutes later. It was the first of two goals on the day for Bond, who was playing for a final time in his hometown.

The closing minutes of the first half proved decisive as Wittenberg tallied a pair of goals in a span of just one minute. First it was freshman Patrick Symczak (Westerville, Ohio/South) with a goal off a pass from junior Adam Pitchel. Then it was a score by sophomore Ross Cirincione (Medina, Ohio/Medina) off a cross by Szymczak.

After Muskingum closed the gap to one again, Bond put it out of reach in the 66th minute. The assist went to junior Joe Poff (Vandalia, Ohio/Butler).

For the game, Wittenberg held a 12-8 advantage in shots, although Muskingum put more on frame at 9-6. That forced junior goalkeeper James Van Artsdalen (Riverwoods, Ill./Deerfield) into seven saves as he picked up the first win of his collegiate career.

The Tigers will return to action on Sunday with a game against Capital. First kick is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.