Spetember 28, 2006

BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University women's soccer team took the Hiram College Terriers to overtime before falling, 1-0, in the extra period. Entering the game winless at 0-7, the Beavers looked to crack the win column against a Terrier squad which sported a record of 1-7-1.

Each team struggled to find solid chances at the opponent's goal. Bluffton's ASHLEY BLOOM(Tiffin/Calvert) rarely saw threatening shots on goal but was pressed to repel numerous crosses and corner kicks, all of which were turned away. A 94th minute centering pass found a weak spot on the back post in the first overtime period to spoil a splendid effort in the goal by the junior goalkeeper. Playing for the win in the extra period, the Beavers pressed forward with attackers but failed to generate chances leaving themselves vulnerable to the counterattack. 

Despite limiting the visitors to two shots in the first half and five for the game, the Beaver defense allowed a whopping nine corner kicks, all of which proved to be dangerous. Bluffton managed five shots of their own, but just one following the first half while forcing just one corner kick. ROCHELLE STOLTZFUS (Bluffton/Bluffton) provided ample distribution in the center of the formation while teammates ELYSE BURCKHART (Telford PA/Souderton) and EVA VOTH (Bluffton/Bluffton) organized transition leading to numerous attacks throughout the game. Providing defensive and offensive support on the flanks were ALLISON WHITE(Lima/Shawnee) and AMY DAHL (Perrysville/Loudonville) who played one of the best games of her young career.

Bluffton hits the road when it travels to face conference foe Hanover on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 1 p.m.