Box Score

WESTERVILLE, OHIO - Otterbein, ranked fourth nationally the both the NSCAA and D3Soccer.com, improved to 13-0-1 overall and 6-0 in conference play with a 2-0 victory over visiting Marietta Wednesday afternoon at Clements Field.

The loss drops the Pioneers to 2-12-2 on the season and 0-5-1 in OAC play.

Marietta hung tough early, and, despite the Cardinals holding a 16-0 shot advantage in the first half, the match would head to halftime locked at 0-0.

Senior Lindsey Rudibaugh saw maybe the best opportunity in the first half after beating a few defenders into the box, but her ensuing shot would go wide.

Otterbein came out with more intensity in the second half and found the back of the net almost immediately. Defender Jenny Knox found a free kick and headed it towards the box, where Rachel Degen would head a pass over to Tara Smith for a header goal. 

Senior Cristen Herold, the league-leader in assists, then notched her first goal of the season minutes later with a header of her own off a cross from sophomore Molly Kroger.

The Cards saw multiple opporunities the rest of the way, but would eventually settle for the 2-0 victory.

Otterbein held a commanding 32-1 edge in shots, as well as a 19-1 advantage on corner kicks.

Kaitlyn Pearse tallied 13 saves for Marietta while Cardinal keeper Tara Carter was only forced to make one as time was winding down.

The team continues OAC play on Saturday, traveling to take on Muskingum in New Concord. First-kick is scheduled for noon.