ARKADELPHIA — Freshman midfielder Philip Bölk delivered his first career goal Saturday to lift the Ouachita men's soccer team to a gritty, emotional, 1-0 victory over Newman at Kluck Field. 

After a scoreless first half in which the Tigers were mostly pinned back on the defensive third, Ouachita turned defense into offense with a thrilling fastbreak midway through the second half.

In a sequence that lasted just 13 seconds, junior defender Hunter Reck slid in to secure a crucial tackle, seize possession and ignite a 3-on-2 fast break racing the other way. Reck surged forward past midfield and found freshman Andrew Castellanos, who slipped a perfect touch to Bölk at the top of the box. Bölk rolled a low shot into the left corner of the net for his first career goal in the 64th minute, which ultimately proved to be the game-winner. The Ouachita sideline erupted as head coach Wes Holifield and his players booked it on a full sprint to the near corner to celebrate with Bölk.

Senior goalkeeper Dillon Staal made two clutch saves, including a point-blank stop moments before Bölk's goal, to secure eighth career shutout. Despite a flurry of late pressure as Newman earned three corners in the final minutes, the back line of Reck, Xavier O'Dwyer, Kristian Baker, and Luke Grigsby denied every attempt to keep the Jets grounded.

Ouachita (4–9–3, 2–7–1 GAC) was outshot 12–7 but made the most of limited  opportunities, converting one of four shots on target to earn its second Great American Conference shutout at home this season.

Newman (7–4–5, 4–3–3) controlled 66 percent of possession and finished with eight corner kicks, but Ouachita's defensive discipline and timely execution made the difference.

Ouachita hosts Harding on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 3 p.m. to close the home slate at Kluck Field.