Oct. 1, 2006

HANOVER, Ind. - In yet another contest with nearly even statistics, the Bluffton University women's soccer team played well, but failed to put the ball in the net on its visit to Hanover College's soggy home turf on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2006. 

The first half saw few productive attacks for the Beavers but plenty of possession despite playing into a brisk headwind. Each team launched shots at the opposing goalkeeper but both came away empty entering the intermission, as the score was knotted at zero. In the opening half, ASHLEY BLOOM (Tiffin/Calvert) made two crucial saves, one diving to her left to tip a ball wide and another which effectively snuffed out a one-on-one at the top of the penalty box denying a Panther attacker on a breakaway. Hanover led six to four in shots on goal at the half. 

During the second half, Bluffton maintained pressure on goal but allowed a breakdown in the defensive third which led to a one-goal deficit in the 57th minute. Scrambling to recover from the mistake, the defense let down again and within minutes allowed a second Hanover attacker to slip behind and capitalize when she had a clear look at the goal. Pressing forward in an attempt to equalize, the Beavers surrendered a third goal in the 79th minute.

Late game letdowns again proved to be the Achilles heel for the women as they dropped to 0-9, 0-2 HCAC on the season. The Beavers return to action when they visit Defiance College on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 4 p.m.