MATCH RESULTS

NEW CONCORD, Ohio – The Cardinal grapplers secured their first Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) victory of the season Tuesday night on the road, emerging with a 30-21 triumph at host Muskingum.

Otterbein, improving to 4-2 as a team wins for the second year in a row against the Muskies following the 34-18 contest last season in Westerville.

The Cards fell behind early, forfeiting the opening match at 125 pounds before Muskingum (0-2) notched a pin in the second affair to open a 12-0 lead.

Otterbein settled in from that point with decisions from Santino DiSabato, who moved up a class to 141, and then team captain Jake Vaughan following at 149 pounds. Vaughan was making his return to the mat after resting an injury the past two weeks.

Otterbein then took control with consecutive pins at the middle weights, beginning with freshman Denver Aydelott registering a fall at the 4:13 mark to tie the team score at 12-12. Sophomore Willy Plaisir put his squad ahead for good in the ensuing showdown by securing a pin with just 59 seconds left in regulation.

The Cards then accepted a pair of forfeits down the stretch, with freshman Bryce Hessler (174) and Drew Kasper (197) both walking out to get their hands raised.

Otterbein will be back in the gym this coming weekend with a pair of duals at Kent State Tuscarawas, squaring off against Division I Akron at 1:30 before facing the hosts at 3 p.m.