Box Score

WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Otterbein University women’s volleyball team dropped a non-conference outing against the University of Northwestern Ohio Wednesday evening, falling in straight-sets inside the Rike Center.

Otterbein also defeated Columbus State Community College earlier in the afternoon in a best of three sets, but the match was recorded as an exhibition.

The Cardinals, ranked 14th in the most recent NCAA Division III national poll, fall to 6-4 on the season and will now head to the Wittenberg Fall Classic this weekend.

Northwestern Ohio, which received votes in the latest NAIA National Top-25, won 25-18, 25-21, 25-17 to improve to 15-1 this season. The Racers will compete next season in NCAA Division II.

Otterbein was led by nine kills from both Michelle Gernert, .286 percentage, and Annie Juenger, .088 percentage. Liz Palmer and Kristen Bennett combined for 13 kills while Kim Barker chipped in four on nine attempts.

Setter Tabatha Piper posted 28 assists while libero Emily Caldwell finished with 18 digs.

The Racers were paced offensively by Emily Crowell and Casey Gates, who registered 13 and 12 kills, respectively.

Otterbein opens its weekend with a rematch against No. 7 Hope (Mich. Friday afternoon before turning its attention to Alma and Mount St. Joseph on Saturday. Visit the tournament page for a complete list of starting times.