Box Score

WESTERVILLE, OHIO - Otterbein, ranked fourth nationally, got a first-half goal from senior Cristen Herold (pictured above) and eventually defeated Wilmington 2-0 Wednesday afternoon to earn its third-straight Ohio Athletic Conference regular season title.

The win keeps the Cardinals as one of five unbeaten teams in the nation, moving the overall mark to 15-0-1 on the season and a perfect 8-0 in league play.

Wilmington falls to 7-7-3 overall and 3-3-2 against league opponents.

Otterbein, which will be the top seed in next week's conference tournament, will look to finish an undefeated regular season Saturday at Mount Union. Starting time from Alliance is set for 1 p.m.

The Cards attacked early and forced Wilmington keeper Maria Larson to make four saves in the oepning 20 minutes, including stopping a shot up-close from Otterbein senior Rachel Degen in the sixth minute.

Senior Cristen Herold scored what would be the game-winner in the 22nd minute, taking a feed into the box from Emily Bates and one-touching it home in traffic with her left foot.

The Quakers would see an occasional opportunity in the second half, including a nice free kick into the box from the left sideline. However, Otterbein keeper Tara Carter was there to snag the incoming ball and hold on after being up-ended by a Wilmington player.

Senior defender Jenny Knox added a late goal in the 88th minute by scoring on a free kick from roughly 45 yards away, as she drilled a ball into the box and watched it find the left portion of the net.

The Cards out-shot Wilmington 18-5, and took eight corners compared to just two for the Quakers.

Larson made five stops in net for the visitors while Carter was credited with three saves for the Tan and Cardinal.

Otterbein, which will be looking to win a third consecutive OAC Tournament championship, will have a bye through the opening round next Monday before hosting a semi-final match Wednesday.