By: Kevin Christie, sports information assistant
BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University Women’s Soccer team was unable to get the victory against Cleary University in a hard fought match that ended 2-0 in favor of the visitors. The Beavers dipped to 2-4 while the Cougars improved to 3-4.
Bluffton battled through the first half of the game and outshot the Cougars, 6-5. However, Cleary's Shelby Marsh took advantage of an opportunity in the 21st minute to put Cleary up 1-0. Amanda Merrell (Cincinnati/Christian) came close to evening the score in the 31st minute for the Beavers, but her attempt went wide left.
Bluffton continued to press the issue in the second period, outshooting the Cougars by a considerable 10-5 margin. In the 78th minute Cleary’s Katelynn Ruman took advantage of an assist from Brenna Meicher, making the score 2-0 Cougars. The Beavers had a few attempts at goal late in the game, one by Marisa Aguilar (Taylor, Mich./Divine Child) and the other by fellow senior Sarah Lawrence (Wapakoneta). Unfortunately the Beavers came up just short on a beautiful day at Alumni Field, the first match for Bluffton's women on the recently-installed turf.
Freshman Skylar Liming (St. Marys/Memorial) and sophomore Brittany Huff (Clayton/Northmont) paced the Bluffton offense with four and three shots, respectively. Senior keeper Ashley Knippen (Wapakoneta) finished the match with three saves.
The Beavers will play again at the Sears Complex on Wednesday, Sept. 23 against Grace Bible (4 PM). Come on out and cheer on your Bluffton University Beavers!
-BEAVERS-
