By: Ryan Schadewald, sports information assistant
CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio - The Bluffton University women’s soccer team traveled to Circleville to pick up a 2-1 victory over Ohio Christian University on Saturday, Sept. 26. The win pushed the Beavers back up to the .500 mark at 4-4, while the loss dropped the Trailblazers to 4-4.
The Trailblazers dominated possession for much of the opening stanza, outshooting the visitors, 8-2, in the first 30 minutes of play. However, the Beavers attacked in the final 15 minutes and were able to capitalize when a shot from Ashley Keller (Piqua/Lehman Catholic) deflected off the crossbar and into the back of the net to give Bluffton the 1-0 halftime advantage.
The second half began in a similar fashion to the first, with Ohio Christian attempting the first seven shots. However, the first attempt by the Beavers was converted by Keller, her second of the contest and fifth of the season, with an assist from Beth Snyder (Akron, NY/Akron Central) to get Bluffton a 2-0 lead in the 75th minute. The home team battled back with a tally of its own on a penalty kick from Lexi Paas with just six minutes remaining, but the Beavers would hold on for the 2-1 victory.
Bluffton was outshot 19-6 in the contest (14-6 on frame), but was helped tremendously by the play of senior Ashley Knippen (Wapakoneta) and her 13 saves on the contest. Keller was the leader in shots taken for the visitors, and two of her three found the back of the net.
The Beavers will hit the road for their final non-conference tilt, traveling to Heidelberg University on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 4 p.m. They will kick off conference play at home on Saturday, Oct. 3 when they welcome the Hanover College Panthers. The women’s match is slated for 1 p.m. with the men’s contest to follow. Come support your Beavers!
-BEAVERS-
