Box Score

WESTERVILLE, Ohio – Otterbein University volleyball tallied its seventh-straight victory Wednesday evening, moving to 18-6 overall with a three-set win over visiting Ohio Northern University.

The Cardinals, ranked No. 10 in the most recent AVCA national poll, won by scores of 25-15, 25-18, 25-23 to move to a perfect 4-0 in the Ohio Athletic Conference. Meanwhile, the loss drops the Polar Bears to 18-5 this season, 2-2 in league play.

Otterbein clung to an early 9-7 edge in set one, but quickly opened a 22-14 lead before coasting to victory in the first frame.

Ohio Northern trailed just 11-8 in set two, but saw Otterbein win the next five points en route to the 25-18 second-set win.

The Cardinals fell behind 13-11 in the third stanza, but rallied to win 10 of the next 14 points and assume a 21-17 advantage. ONU responded to close within 23-22, but sophomore Kim Barker ushered her team to victory with a solo block out of a timeout, followed by the game-winning kill through the middle two points later.

Otterbein senior Kristen Bennett marked the only player with double-digit kills in the match, tallying 11 on 23 chances.

Juniors Liz Palmer and Annie Juenger each posted eight kills, while setter Tabatha Piper turned in an all-around effort with 29 assists, eight kills, seven digs, and four block assists.

Barker chipped in five kills and four block assists, while libero Evelyn Carus had a match-best 17 digs.

Ohio Northern was paced offensively by nine kills from outside hitter Ellen Grenert, with setter Kelsie Zumberger tallying 23 assists.

Otterbein finishes out the week Friday evening, traveling to Heidelberg University for another key conference match. Starting time from Tiffin is slated for 7 p.m.