September 23, 2006

BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Beavers' record now stands at 0-7 after yet another solid showing versus a quality opponent. Putting together perhaps their best 90 minutes of the year, the Bluffton University women's soccer team nearly avenged a 7-0 defeat a year ago at the hands of Marietta. Sustaining pressure on the Marietta defensive backs, the Beavers used a brisk wind behind them in the first half to wear down the Pioneers and create several good chances on the opponent's net minder. Failing to cash in on Mother Nature's advantage, the teams entered the half-time intermission deadlocked at zero.

Despite being backed by the wind, Marietta came out in the second half and put together some good combinations on the ground to pin Bluffton deep in the defensive third of the field. Persistence paid off quickly as the Pioneers scored the only goal of the match in the 48th minute on a close range shot to the left of Bluffton goalkeeper ASHLEY BLOOM(Tiffin/Calvert). 

Falling behind seemingly ignited the Bluffton resolve as it continued to press the Marietta end equaling the Pioneer shot totals for the half and bringing the game shots on goal totals to 9-7 in favor of Marietta. With several minutes remaining, the Beavers got perhaps their best look at goal when a streaking attacker JESSIE GOOD (Lima/Elida) got behind the Pioneer defense only to have the last defender interfere just enough to spoil the chance. Playing effectively to maintain the offensive pressure on the afternoon were EVA VOTH (Bluffton/Bluffton), MEGHAN FORQUER (North Canton/Green), ELYSE BURCKHART (Telford, PA/Souderton), and ALLISON WHITE (Lima/Shawnee).  Playing a tough defensive back line for the game were Bloom in goal, CHANTEL MANGRUM (Jackson, TN/Jackson Christian), Good, GINA ELSEA(Findlay/Findlay) and SAMANTHA WILLIAMS (Toledo/Bowsher) before she went down with an injury.

Bodies recovering from injuries bolstered the lineup adding much needed depth to an improving women's side. The women's soccer team will attempt to break into the win column on Thursday, Sept. 28, with a home match against Hiram at 4:30.