September 13, 2006

BLUFFTON, Ohio - Following the men's nailbiting opening act, the Bluffton University women's soccer game was over in short order as the Beavers found themselves in a three-goal hole on as many shots less than ten minutes into the contest. With the 6-1 loss to Urbana, Bluffton fell to a 0-4 while the Blue Knights upped their record to 5-2-1.

While not allowing dominant amounts of possession time to Urbana, Bluffton was bitten by the long shot several times as Blue Knight sharpshooters were given good looks at the gaping net. As the Beavers struggled to find themselves in the first half, Urbana continued to pound away at the offensive end settling for long-range missiles launched at Bluffton goalkeeper ASHLEY BLOOM (Tiffin/Calvert). Cashing in on another high, floating shot, Urbana scored its fourth of the half in the 34th minute. 

Bluffton answered back three minutes later when sophomore ELYSE BURCKHART(Souderton/Souderton) found the back of the net. Following a flurry in the penalty area, the ball popped out to the top of the 18-yard box where Burckhart calmly collected it and deposited it just under the crossbar and over the Blue Knight goalkeeper. Managing just two shots on goal in the first half, Bluffton found itself down 4-1 with a mountain to climb. 

The mountain grew higher early in the second stanza when Urbana expanded its lead in the 50th minute. Bluffton threatened intermittently the remainder of the game getting off eight more shots on goal to outshoot the Blue Knights, 10-9, for the game. Freshman MEGHAN FORQUER(North Canton/Green) enjoyed numerous runs at goal but rarely saw enough daylight to shoot on frame as the Urbana defense closed out quickly.  

The women's soccer team returns to action on Saturday versus HCAC foe Transylvania at 12 noon.