Written Jan. 30, 2010 by Ed Syguda

WESTERVILLE, OHIO—Capital took charge late in the second half to break open what had been a close game, defeating Otterbein, 77-67, Saturday in the Rike Center.

With the win, the Crusaders remained in second place, one game behind OAC leader Baldwin-Wallace. Capital improved to 13-6 overall and 10-2 in the league. Otterbein dropped to 8-11 overall and seventh in the OAC at 5-7.

Capital held a slim 36-33 lead at the half, a lead they would not relinquish over the second period. The lead still remained at three, 55-52, with 7:44 to play before the Crusaders went on a 12-1 run to boost its lead into double-digits, 67-53 with 4:06 to play. Capital scored nine of its 12 points from the free-throw line. Otterbein could not cut the lead under 10 over the remainder of the game.

Sophomore guard Kristi Kotterman scored 19 points to lead the Cardinals. She hit three of six three-point attempts. Senior forward Katy Miller just missed a double-double with 11 points and eight rebounds. Miller, who scored her 1,000th-career point in a win over Heidelberg Wednesday, received the game ball from head coach Connie Richardson prior to the start of tonight’s game. Senior guard Karli Volkmer, coming off the bench, scored 12 points.

The Crusaders were led by senior guard Kristen Richardson and senior forward Caitlin Elsass, each scored 21 points in the win. Sophomore forward Shalena Hawkins added eight points and 10 rebounds.

Otterbein remains at home Wednesday, taking on Wilmington. Capital is scheduled to host Marietta. Tip-off for both games is 7:30 p.m.