The Bluffton University women's soccer team welcomed Earlham College to the Sears Athletic Complex on a cold and windy Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2019. The Beavers secured a tight 2-1 victory over the Quakers. Bluffton improved to 5-8 (2-2 HCAC) on the season, while Earlham dropped to 7-6 (0-4 HCAC).
A tough defensive battle left the match scoreless at the half. Just over two minutes into the second stanza, Maddie Huffman (Maineville/Little Miami) took the ball down the field and hit paydirt to give the Beavers a 1-0 lead thanks to her team-high fourth tally of the season. With under five minutes to play in regulation, Earlham's Tess Cunningham netted a shot to tie the score at 1-1. Bluffton answered back when Tajah Upshaw (Lima/Lima Senior) took a nice feed from Zoe Ryan (Pleasantville/Lancaster) and worked it across the line to secure a 2-1 victory for the home team.
Earlham put up a total of 33 shots, while Bluffton checked in with 18. Bluffton forced one more corner kick (5-4) but the home team was also whistled for five more fouls (8-3). Junior keeper Jules Frazier (Nova/Mapleton) walked away with 16 saves as she evened up her record in front of the net (2-2).
The women are back in action on Saturday, Oct. 19, when they welcome Hanover College to the Dam. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m with the men's match to follow at 3:30 p.m.
Men’s soccer
The Bluffton University men's soccer team traveled to Earlham College for a matchup against the Quakers on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2019. The Beavers took a tough 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Quakers. Bluffton dropped to 5-9 (0-4 HCAC) on the season, while Earlham improved to 2-9-2 (1-3 HCAC).
The defenses took control as the match was left scoreless through the first half. In the 70th minute, Earlham's Andrew Strozewski netted a shot to secure the 1-0 Quaker victory. Jacob Kiger (Groveport/St. Charles Prep) led the Beaver offense with four shots, including three on goal.
Shots were low on both sides with Earlham putting up 12 (five on goal) and Bluffton just nine (seven on frame). Bluffton forced three more corner kicks (6-3) and was whistled for two fewer fouls (11-9). Freshman keeper Tanner Newport (Hamilton, Va./Loudoun Valley) walked away with four saves for the Beavers.
The men are back in action on Saturday, Oct. 19, when they welcome Hanover College to the Dam. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m following the women's match with the Panthers that is scheduled for 1 p.m.
