September 30, 2017

RICHMOND, Ind. - The Bluffton University women's soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision at Earlham College in the HCAC opener for both squads on a beautiful Saturday, Sept. 30. Earlham improved to 5-5 and 1-0 in the Heartland Conference, while Bluffton fell to 1-8 and 0-1 in the HCAC.

Hailey Beel put the home team up in minute 26 when she took advantage of a feed from Emma Lady for a 1-0 lead. The Quakers added a crucial tally with less than 13 minutes to play when Abby Smith found the back of the net. Senior Brittany Huff (Union/Northmont) pulled the Beavers within one when she nailed a free kick at the 85:46 mark.

Earlham finished with a 15-9 edge in shots, including 8-4 on frame. The Beavers forced two of the three corner kicks in the match. Freshman Jules Frazier (Nova/Mapleton) came up with six saves for the visitors. Junior Skylar Liming (St. Marys/Memorial) paced the Beavers with four shots, while freshman Arianna Garcia (Troy) chipped in with three.

Bluffton returns to the Sears Complex on Wednesday, Oct. 4, for a battle with rival Defiance College. Kickoff on Breast Cancer Awareness Day is slated for 3:30 p.m.

-BEAVERS-