BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University women's soccer team held on for a 2-2 tie with Franklin College, earning its first HCAC point on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Bluffton improved to 2-8-2 overall and 0-3-1 in the conference, while Franklin moved to 2-6-5 and 1-1-2 in the HCAC.

Bluffton took a 1-0 lead in minute 31 when Nina McGinn (Marion/Harding) found the back of the net for her team-best fourth goal of the season. McGinn connected with Clara Matthews (Bluffton) less than seven minutes later, giving the home team a 2-0 advantage at the break.

The Grizzlies fought back with two tallies early in the final stanza, but Bluffton's defense stiffened and the Beavers netted a 2-2 on a cold and windy Saturday afternoon.

McGinn powered the Bluffton offense with five shots, a goal and an assist. Freshman Sydney Sherick (Findlay) took advantage of her first career start, fending off four Franklin shots and earning a tie between the pipes.

Franklin finished with four more shots (11-7) and the Grizzlies forced all five corner kicks. The visitors were called for three more fouls (9-6).

Bluffton heads to Richmond, Ind., for another Heartland Conference clash at Earlham College on Wednesday, Oct. 11. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m.

-BEAVERS-