Men's Soccer shuts out Franklin 3-0
The Bluffton University men's soccer team played a rare Saturday night contest under the lights and the Beavers found the experience to their liking as the visitors not only pitched a 3-0 shutout but they also secured their first Heartland Conference victory since 2014! Bluffton moved to 1-10 and 1-2 in the Heartland Conference while host Franklin College stayed winless at 0-3 in the HCAC (1-10 overall).
The Beavers jumped out quickly with a Christian Zapata (Livonia, Mich./Adlai E. Stevenson) goal just 13:07 into the match. Senior Blake Hershberger (Canton/McKinley) made it 2-0 less than two minutes later when he netted his second penalty kick of the season.
Trent Mast (Southington/Cardinal) put an exclamation point on the victory when he knocked in his second goal of the season with just 30 seconds to play as the Beavers scored their most goals in a match since 2014!
Franklin finished with nine shots, compared to eight for the Beavers. The home team forced three more corner kicks (5-2), but the Beavers put two more shots on frame (5-3).
Bluffton returns to the Sears Complex for the first home Heartland Conference match of 2017 on Wednesday, Oct. 11. The Beavers welcome Mount St. Joseph for a 3:30 contest. Come out and support your Beavers!
-BEAVERS-
Stories Posted This Week
Monday, August 10, 2026
- Pirate girls tennis 2nd at Lima City tourney
- Professor Parquet on the passing of Don Nelson
- Bluffton historical society to discuss upcoming events, fundraising
- Bluffton Public Library hosts Mobile Health Clinic on Aug. 13
- 2026 PorchFest preview: Tommy Jenkins, Cat Dailey, Szabo Trio
- Chair massages offered at the Senior Center
- Bluffton Senior Center to host Spa Day
Sunday, August 9, 2026
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Friday, August 7, 2026
- BHS Junior Class to hold Post Prom fundraiser on Sept. 13
- Aug. 23 anniversary celebration at Tri-County Family Assembly of God
- Pirate boys golf 10th at L-B Invite
- Save these dates: Four more months of America 250 events in Bluffton
- Lens turns Bluffton's NNO fireworks to neon
- Should all beavers beware of Buc-ee's logo litigation?
- Letter: As Ohio grows, conservation must become part of the conversation
- 2026 Lincoln Highway Buy Way sales August 13-15
- History you can taste: Bluffton celebrates local businesses on Aug. 8