September 4, 2015
By: Whitney Warnecke, sports information assistant
BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University Beavers played an intense double overtime match against Adrian College on a stormy Friday, Sept. 4, 2015. The Beavers came up just short while fighting to the end and suffering the tough 2-1 setback. The heartbreaking loss left Bluffton with a record of 0-2 and while the Bulldogs evened their season tally at 1-1. It also marked the first contest played on Alumni Field as the rains moved the contest to Bluffton's brand-new artificial turf field!
The beginning of the first half was a fight with great shots that just wouldn't find the back of the net. In the second half the intensity picked up when the Bulldogs scored the first goal in the 65th minute. This made the home team want it even more. The Beavers finally cracked the scoreboard in the 78th minute when Ryan Johnson-Evers (Muskego, Wis./Muskego) hit paydirt to tie the game at one apiece. As both teams battled for the victory it wasn't until the second overtime when the Bulldogs scored the winning goal with just over four minutes left.
The visitors outshot the Beavers, 18-10, including 8-3 on frame. The home team was led by Grant Stutzman (Sugarcreek/Hiland) and Ryan Johnson-Evers with two shots each. Bluffton keeper Matt Hardman-Zimmerman (Forest City, PA/Home) had six saves between lightning delays while the Bulldogs' keeper Taormina finished with two saves for the match.
The Beavers return to the pitch again Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 5 p.m. when they welcome Mount Union on the back end of a women's and men's doubleheader with the Purple Raiders. Come on out and give a shout to your Bluffton Beavers!
-BEAVERS-