By Kyle Stover, sports information assistant

Stats http://www.bluffton.edu/athletics/womenssoccer/2013/10-26-ws.htm

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Bluffton University women's soccer team was on the road on Saturday, Oct. 26, and pulled out an exciting overtime victory over the host Franklin College Grizzlies. The two teams fought through a defensive battle for most of the game before they exchanged goals in the last minute of the second half. The Beavers had the last laugh, however, burying a goal in the eigth minute of overtime to cap off the win.

The first half was a stalemate with neither team able to score. Bluffton outshot Franklin in the half (7-3), but was unable to find the back of the net.

In the second half, things seemed to pick up where they left off in the first, with both squads going scoreless for much of the period. The two conference foes battled through the half, but Franklin found their offense first when VANESSA BENHAM scored with less than 20 seconds left in the match. A goal that late would usually put away the match, but the Beavers fought right back and sent things to overtime when ELIZABETH WEBB (Ashland) tied the contest on a free kick with just three ticks left.

The Beavers rode that late momentum into overtime when fellow senior MEGAN MOREO (Spencerville/Delphos Jefferson) scored the winning goal, capping off an exhilarating match for Bluffton with her fourth tally of the season.

Moreo led the Beaver offense with five shots in the match while senior AIMEE WHITMER (Grand Rapids/Otsego) ripped four shots. Sophomore ASHLEY KNIPPEN (Wapakoneta) had two saves in the match to earn the win.

Bluffton improved to 5-8 on the season and 3-4 in the HCAC while Franklin fell to 8-8 (2-5 HCAC). The Beavers will play next in their final home contest of the year when they welcome rival Defiance College to Bluffton on Tuesday, Oct. 29. That match is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.

                                                         -BEAVERS-