Box Score

ADA, OHIO- Fifth-ranked Otterbein (11-0-1, 4-0 OAC) escaped with a 1-0 overtime victory at Ohio Northern (8-5, 3-1 OAC) Tuesday afternoon to remain unbeaten on the season.

The win gives the Cardinals sole possession of first place in the conference, while Ohio Northern drops to the second spot.

The Polar Bears cleared an Otterbein corner kick out of the box early, and the Cards stood tough a few moments later as goalkeeper Tara Carter fell on the ball in a clustered box.

Otterbein appeared to have gotten on the board in the 36th minute when Cristen Herold sent a shot towards the box and Molly Kroger headed it into the back of the net, but the goal was waved off after an offside call was given.

The game headed to halftime locked in a scoreless tie, with both teams having attempted three shots.

Ohio Northern saw an opportunity early in the second half, but a rising shot was brought down by Carter.

The Cards continued to battle, and saw two chances in the 63rd and 64th minutes, but a shot from Jessica Yaney went wide and an attempt from Adrienne Novak was saved by the ONU keeper.

Senior Lindsey Rudibaugh fired a shot in a crowded box in the 79th minute, but a Polar Bear defender was there to get a body on the shot.

The deciding goal came with 26 seconds remaining in the first overtime session, when senior Tara Smith and a Polar Bear defender went up after an incoming corner kick. The ball would bounce off the ONU player and into the back of the net for an own goal, giving Otterbein the victory.

"This is a tough place to play, and Ohio Northern has a great team," Head Coach Brandon Koons said shortly after the game. "We knew there would be a few chances, and we were able to create a few after halftime.... I'm happy we finished one."

Otterbein held a 10-6 margin in shots, and a 6-3 edge on corners.

The Cards return to action Friday afternoon, returning home to host cross-town rival Capital at 4 p.m.