ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Otterbein University women's soccer team opened the season with a split at the Rochester Institute of Technology Tournament, defeating Nazareth, 2-0, on day one before a tough 1-0 double overtime loss to RIT on Saturday.

The Cardinals wasted little time getting on the scoreboard during the opener, using a goal from sophomore Megan McCabe in the 11th-minute of play. Jillian Strimbu and Alex Ancona were credited with assists on the play.

Otterbein took a 1-0 lead into the half, and extended the margin to 2-0 when freshman Polly Sellers broke through the Nazareth defense and tallied her first-career goal in the 66th-minute. The lead would be plenty for the Cardinals en route to pitching the shutout.

Sophomore Dana Strimbu was forced to make just one save over her full 90 minutes in goal. Otterbein outshot Nazareth, 7-6, but lost the corner-kick battle, 6-3.

Otterbein and RIT fought to the brink on Saturday evening, with the Tigers eventually escaping with a 1-0 double overtime win after a header goal from Shelby Vakiener in the 107th minute of action.

The Cardinals held a 12-10 shot advantage, including a 5-2 edge on goal, but RIT goalkeeper Amanda Murray came up with five saves throughout. Ancona and Jillian Strimbu led the Cards with three shots each in the game.

Otterbein stays on the road next weekend, playing at Thomas More College on Saturday and Hanover College come Sunday. Both matches are slated to begin at 1 p.m.