By Adriane Bruner, sports information assistant

Stats http://www.bluffton.edu/sports/womenssoccer/2012/10-16-ws.htm

The Bluffton University women’s soccer team was defeated 1-0 by Manchester University on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012. The Beavers fell to 3-9-1 and 1-3-1 in the Heartland Conference, while the Spartans improved to 7-5-3 and 3-2-1 in the HCAC.

The Beavers fought hard throughout the first half, keeping the Spartans from finding the back of the net. After the first 45 minutes of back-and-forth play, the period ended in a scoreless tie.

The match remained deadlocked until minute 64 when the Spartans drilled the first and only goal of the afternoon when Brandy Crouse made a nice move down the left sideline and connected with Katelyn Barta in front of the net for a 1-0 Spartan lead. Bluffton fought back, firing off shot after shot, but the Beavers were unable to capitalize as Manchester wrapped up a 1-0 victory over the home squad.

Bluffton piled up a 22-9 advantage in shots, including 13-2 in the second period. They also led the way in corner kicks (7-2). Both teams committed nine fouls during the match.

Senior Maddie Moore (Linn Grove, Ind./South Adams) finished with three more shots (12-9) than the entire Manchester team. Junior Katie Steenrod (Sidney) followed with three shots.

Bluffton returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 when the Beavers host Franklin College. The contest is slated for 12 p.m. as the Beavers look to get back in the win column.