Ruiz Named PAC Defensive POW

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - Bethany College freshman goalkeeper Mathelyn Ruiz has been honored by the Presidents' Athletic Conference for her standout performance Saturday, the league announced today (Monday, September 23, 2024). 

In Ruiz's second career start, her outstanding performance helped Bethany draw 1-1 against Wilmington. The keeper finished with a career-high 11 saves in the draw, The Fightin' Quakers were coming off three consecutive wins where they scored a combined 12 goals. 

The biggest save came in the closing seconds of the game to preserve the draw. Wilmington had a free kick opportunity from the center of the field right above the box. Ruiz deflected a perfectly placed shot aimed inside the left post off as time expired, preventing a Bison loss. 

"Mattie did a fantastic job keeping us in the game and holding us to a standard that we strive for as a team," said Bethany Interim Head Coach Cody Kibler. "She was electric and completely kept Wilmington at a loss. It is a proud statement of the way things are going for our program." 

Ruiz's 11 saves were the most by a Bison in just over two years. Many of her attempts were multi-save combinations that kept the Bison within striking distance of a victory. The one goal given up was off a rebounded save where Ruiz held strong in a 1-on-1 situation.  

 The Bison (3-2-2) will begin conference action 7 p.m. Wednesday when they travel to take on Grove City (3-3-1).