WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein, ranked 12th nationally by the NSCAA, improved to a perfect 4-0 in Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) play and 12-1 overall by defeating visiting Mount Union 2-0 Thursday afternoon at Clements Field.

Mount Union falls to 3-10-1 on the season and 0-4 in league play.

The Purple Raiders nearly grabbed an instant 1-0 lead, but Otterbein goalie Tara Carter made a leaping save to punch away a shot from Mount Union’s Diedre Dick in the second minute of play. After bouncing off Carter’s hand, the ball deflected off the cross bar and back out into the field of play.

It didn’t take long after for the Cardinals to respond and get on the scoreboard, as junior Lindsey Rudibaugh beat a couple defenders and sent a pass from the right side to the opposite post where junior Rachel Degen converted a left-footed goal to put the team ahead 1-0. The goal was Degen’s third of the season.

Just two minutes later, sophomore Adrienne Novak took a through ball from defender Laura Vasbinder and slipped a shot past Mount keeper Kaitlyn Mallernee to extend the lead to 2-0. It was her second goal in as many games.

The game would enter halftime with the Cards on top 2-0.

Otterbein controlled the tempo in the second half, out-shooting the Raiders 9-1. The OC defense stood strong en route to its ninth shutout of the season.

The team has allowed just two goals since its only loss of the season back on September 4, a span of 11 games.

Overall, the Cards held a 19-6 edge in shots, as well as a 13-0 advantage on corner kicks.

Mallernee tallied ten saves for Mount Union while Carter stopped three shots in goal for OC.  

The team next hits the road on Saturday to play Heidelberg. First-kick from Tiffin is scheduled for 4 p.m.