BLUFFTON, Ohio — Transylvania University women's soccer opened HCAC play with a 2-1 road victory over Bluffton University on Saturday. After conceding in the opening minutes, the Pioneers responded with goals from Zippi Willgruber and Ellie Held to improve to 4-3-2 overall and 1-0-0 in conference play.
Bluffton struck first just 1:05 into the match when Katie Singleton found the back of the net to give the Beavers an early 1-0 advantage. Transylvania responded by creating sustained pressure throughout the opening half, eventually finding the equalizer in the 37th minute.
Willgruber, who entered the match in the 33rd minute, scored at 36:29 off an assist from Teagan Fahy to even the match at 1-1. The goal was the first of Willgruber's season as the Pioneers carried the tie into halftime.
Transylvania continued to generate opportunities after the break before breaking through in the 76th minute. Held scored the eventual game-winner at 75:55 off an assist from Peyton Tan, giving the Pioneers their first lead of the afternoon. It was Held's first goal of the season.
Held led the Transylvania attack with eight shots, including four on goal. Emersyn Cox finished with four shots and two on target, while Gracie Carrigan added three shots with two on goal. Fahy recorded two shots and assisted on Willgruber's goal.
Carrie Stevens played all 90 minutes in goal for Transylvania, recording six saves while allowing just the opening-minute goal. The Pioneers controlled the attacking numbers, outshooting Bluffton 26-10 and holding a 12-7 advantage in shots on goal. Transylvania also generated nine corner kicks while limiting Bluffton to two.
Transylvania University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the HCAC. To keep up to date with all of Transylvania Athletics, check out our website at transysports.com and follow @TransySports on Instagram.
