Jackets Drop 3-1 Decision to Bluffton

DEFIANCE, Ohio – Two second-period goals were the difference in Defiance College's match with Bluffton University, as the Jackets fell 3-1 on Tuesday, October 14. The loss snaps DC's six-match winning streak against its HCAC rival, which stretches back to the 2002 season.

The Beavers broke a scoreless tie on a Jacob Graham header in the 32nd minute, but Defiance would erase the deficit only 16 seconds later as Matthew Johnson lost his marker and scored on a ball from Greg Vogt to knot the match at 1-1. Bluffton threatened to take a 2-1 lead in the final minutes of the opening period, but Mitch Livensparger came up with a huge save on Nate Flath's open look from inside the box to keep it an even match heading into the break.

The Jackets had several great shots in the final stanza, but were unable to find the net. Bluffton took advantage of DC's misfortunes, scoring two goals in closing period to take home a 3-1 victory.

Chris Kessler and Vogt led the Defiance attack with three shots each, as Vogt recorded his second assist of the season. Johnson finished the contest with two shots on goal, while fellow sophomore Tony Cornell also had two shots for the Jackets. Livensparger tallied four saves in the match, pushing his season total to 67.

DC (0-13) returns to action this Saturday, October 18, when it hosts reigning HCAC champion Transylvania University. Kick-off is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m.