October 20, 2015
By: Whitney Warnecke, sports information assistant

BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University women's soccer team bounced back from a heartbreaking 3-2 loss at HCAC-leading Franklin last Saturday with a convincing 3-0 shutout of Defiance College on a beautiful Tuesday, Oct. 20 at the Sears Complex. The Beavers improved to 7-8 on the season while evening their mark in the Heartland Conference at 3-3. Defiance dropped to 2-13 overall and 1-5 in the HCAC.

The first half started off with Bluffton maintaining possession for the majority of the time while playing steller defense. Finally in the 22nd minute, ASHLEY KELLER (Piqua/Lehman Catholic) broke through the middle of Defiance's defense to score the first goal of the match. Seven minutes later BETH SNYDER (Akron, NY/Akron Central) converted a smooth feed from AMANDA MERRELL (Cincinnati/Christian). Bluffton would take that 2-0 lead into the 15-minute intermission.

Early in the second stanza the Beavers were able to cash in a third goal when Merrell headed in SKYLAR LIMING'S (St. Marys/Memorial) corner kick. Senior keeper ASHLEY KNIPPEN (Wapakoneta), who finished with six saves, made the 3-0 score hold up as she fashioned her second shutout of the season.

Bluffton hammered away with a 29-12 shots advantage, including 17-6 on frame. BRITTANY HUFF (Union/Northmont) fired six shots, while Liming finished with four attempts. Merrell, Snyder and KRISTEN TROPF(Findlay/Van Buren) all chipped in with three shots. Keller, who sat out the second half, scored her team-best 12th goal of the season. Defiance keeper JUNE DELGRECO turned away 14 shots in the loss.

The Beavers will play again on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015, at Transylvania (1 PM). 

-BEAVERS-