September 29, 2009

OBERLIN, Ohio - The Bluffton University women's soccer team spent much of the contest fending off Oberlin shots, but it was still clinging to a slim 1-0 lead when the Yeowomen broke the Beavers with two goals in a span of less than two minutes midway through the final period. Bluffton slipped to 5-4 following the setback while Oberlin climbed to 4-4-2 on the season.

Oberlin fired the first six shots in the match, none on target, before KATY WISBY(Lancaster/Bloom-Carroll) got free and converted on Bluffton's first shot attempt. The home team continued to pressure the Beavers, however, freshman MOLLY MARTIN (Brookville) did a great job of keeping the Yeowomen off the scoreboard and allowing Bluffton to go into the break with a 1-0 lead.

Martin and the Beavers continued to fend off Oberlin early in period two, but back-to-back corner kicks proved one too many when RYANN MCCHESNEY'S feed found LOIS IMMERMAN at the 62:28 mark. Less than two minutes later, K. WATTS-FITZGERALD set up LORI SAKO for what proved to be the game winner in minute 64.

The Beavers appeared to tie the game when Bluffton knocked in a KOURTNEY LEWIS(Arlington/Riverdale) shot off the crossbar, but an offside call negated the tying score and Oberlin held off the visitors for a 2-1 victory on a cold and rainy night in Oberlin.

The Yeowomen held a commanding 29-9 advantage in shots for the match, including 11-4 on frame. Oberlin forced eight corner kicks, six more than Bluftton. The home team picked up nine fouls while Bluffton was whistled for seven infractions.

Molly Martin picked up nine saves in the loss. Wisby and Lewis led the Bluffton offense with four and three shots, respectively.

The Beavers return to the pitch on Saturday, Oct. 3, when they travel to Franklin College for a tussle with the Grizzlies. The contest is slated to start at 2 p.m.

-BEAVERS-