Oct. 15, 2013
BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University women's soccer team responded favorably to its first match at the Sears Complex in over three weeks when the Beavers welcomed rival Anderson University on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013. Two Beaver scores in the first seven minutes were more than the home team would need with the Ravens unable to make good on any of their six shot attempts as Bluffton kept everybody fresh in a 5-0 win over Anderson. The Ravens slipped to 3-9-2 overall and 0-4 in the HCAC, while Bluffton improved to 4-6 and 2-2 in the Heartland Conference with its second straight victory.
It took just 2:26 for KRISTEN TROPF (Findlay/Van Buren) to put Bluffton on top when she connected from the close left wing on the first shot of the contest. Less than four minutes later, BETH SNYDER (Akron, NY/Akron Central) connected with Tropf for her second tally of the game and a quick 2-0 lead. JESSICA RAMIREZ (Archbold) made it 3-0 midway through the first period thanks to a nice feed from fellow junior JO BONDRA (Highland Heights/Mayfield).
Senior standout AIMEE WHITMER (Grand Rapids/Otsego) punched in her fifth goal of the season before the crowd could get seated following intermission, giving Bluffton a comfortable 4-0 lead less than a minute into the final stanza. Before making her way to the sideline, Tropf capped off her first collegiate hat trick (eighth goal of the season) in minute 58. With both teams substituting liberally, the final 30 minutes eased off the clock as Bluffton wrapped up a 5-0 win on a chilly Tuesday evening.
Bluffton controlled the pace, posting a 24-6 edge in shots, including 10-4 on frame. The Beavers also forced nine more corner kicks than the visitors (15-6). Sophomore keeper ASHLEY KNIPPEN (Wapakoneta) came up with four saves to keep Anderson off the scoreboard. Whitmer and MEGAN MOREO(Spencerville/Delphos Jefferson) finished with six shots apiece, while Tropf connected on three of her five attempts.
The Beavers will be back at the Sears Complex on Saturday, Oct. 19, when they host a Hanover squad that was picked to finish second in the HCAC this season. The Senior Day contest is slated to start at 1 p.m. and it will be followed by the men's matchup with the Panthers. Come out and support your BEAVERS!
-BEAVERS-