By: Joshua Burkholder, sports information assistant
Sept. 24, 2013

BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University women's soccer team played host to the Grace Bible College Tigers on Tuesday, Sept. 24. The match ended up going to double overtime, with Grace's AUTUMN BEFUS netting a goal in the 103rd minute, leading the Tigers to a 2-1 victory. With the win, Grace Bible improved to 5-3 on the season, while Bluffton fell to 2-4.

From the beginning it seemed as if Bluffton might have an easy time handling the Tigers, with junior JO BONDRA (Highland Heights/Mayfield) scoring at the 1:24 mark with an assist from senior MEGAN MOREO(Spencerville/Delphos Jefferson), giving the Beavers an early 1-0 lead. Bluffton forged a commanding edge in the shots department at the half, with 13 to Grace Bible's three.

The second half shot line ended up similar to the first half, as Bluffton took 17 shots and Grace Bible only one. That one shot, however, found the back of the net off the foot of KERIE RUDD in the 54th minute. The match remained knotted at one goal apiece throughout the rest of regular time. The first overtime saw Bluffton take six shots, with Grace Bible not managing an attempt. Even with the large shot differential, the Tigers' lone shot of the second extra session was enough to give them their second goal, and the sudden-death win.

Total shots for the game ended up 36-5 in Bluffton's favor. Senior AIMEE WHITMER (Grand Rapids/Otsego) led the Beavers with 13, including seven on frame, and Moreo tallied nine. A whopping 20 of the Beavers' shots were on goal, giving Grace Bible's LINDSEY ANIBLE 19 saves. Sophomore ASHLEY KNIPPEN (Wapakoneta) recorded one save.

The Bluffton women will welcome Rose-Hulman to the Sears Complex at noon on Saturday, Oct. 5,  It is the Heartland Conference opener for both teams. Come support your Beavers!

-BEAVERS-