October 16, 2007

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio - The Bluffton University women's soccer team made the long trek across Ohio to Steubenville and came home with its third victory in the Beavers' last four contests, a 2-1 win over Franciscan University on Monday, Oct. 15, 2007. Bluffton improved to 4-8-1 on the season while Franciscan dropped to 5-7-1.

Putting Bluffton on top early was sophomore MEGHAN FORQUER (North Canton/Green) who used a baseline dribble to beat the goalkeeper to the near post in minute nine for her fourth goal of the year. The back four, along with sophomore keeper SAMANTHA WILLIAMS(Toledo/Bowsher), held the Barons at bay throughout the first half as Franciscan looked to counter off long balls but was unable to penetrate the Bluffton defense as the Beavers took their 1-0 lead to the break.

Senior ROCHELLE STOLTZFUS (Bluffton/Bluffton) used a feed from junior ELYSE BURCKHART (Telford, Penn./Souderton) to pad the Bluffton advantage with 24 minutes to play in the match.

With time winding down, MARIA PERDOMA got the Barons on the scoreboard with her shot from the right corner of the box to make the score 2-1 in favor of the visitors in minute 87, but the Beavers communication and decision to keep the ball on the ground paid dividends as Bluffton picked up its second straight victory.

Forquer led the Beavers with three shots on goal. Freshmen MARY CONRAD(Millersburg/West Holmes) and LAUREN FREY (Wauseon/Wauseon) each added one attempt on target. Williams picked up five saves in the victory.

The Beavers were whistled for 11 infractions, five more than the home squad. Both teams put six shots on goal in the contest.

Bluffton returns to the pitch when it travels with the men's team to Rose-Hulman on Saturday, Oct. 20. The match is slated to start at 1 p.m.

-BEAVERS-