Freshman Bishop Williamson (West Liberty) collected Jacob Kiger's (Groveport) rocket off the crossbar and deposited into the back of the nest for his first collegiate goal just over two minutes into overtime, propelling Bluffton to its first Heartland Conference victory of the season.
The Beavers improved to 2-11 overall and 1-3 in the Heartland, while Earlham fell to 2-9 and 1-3 in the HCAC.
Trailing 1-0 midway through the first period, a Quaker foul gave freshman sensation Dalton Taynor (Miami East) a penalty kick which he cashed in for his team-best fifth goal of the season. That 1-1 score held up through 90 minutes of regulation, sending the match into overtime where Williamson finished it just 2:22 into the extra session.
The visitors ended the match with a 17-12 edge in shots, including 10-5 on frame. Earlham also racked up six more fouls (17-11) and one more corner kick (4-3) than the Beavers.
Kiger and Taynor combined for nine of Bluffton's shots, while freshman keeper Hunter Fleck (Van Buren) got down and dirty with nine saves for his first victory between the pipes.
The Beavers handed Coach Elvert his first Heartland Conference win at the helm as Bluffton broke through with a one-goal decision on the good side of the ledger.
Bluffton returns to the pitch on Saturday, Oct. 13, when the Beavers head to Hanover College for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff against the Panthers.
