WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The top-seeded Otterbein women's soccer team continued to soar Thursday night at Memorial Stadium by defeating Capital, 1-0, in an Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) semifinal match during a damp evening under the lights.

The Crusaders had Otterbein on the ropes less than a week ago, but the Cards were in better control this time around through solid possession en route to a second victory over their cross-town rival in five days. Capital, the tournament's No. 4 seed, end their season at 13-6 overall. 

Otterbein extended its unbeaten streak to 14 matches, improving to 15-2-1 on the year and now turning its attention to a rematch with No. 2 seed Ohio Northern this weekend. ONU advanced its way following a 2-0 decision against Mount Union.

The Cards and Polar Bears played to a highly-competitive 2-2 draw recently and will now play for an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Start time for Saturday's championship bout is scheduled for 7 p.m.

The Cardinals' best opportunity in the first half came from a free kick, as Priscilla Severance was fouled just outside the box. Standing about 20 yards from the net, Bella Shivley ripped a shot which sailed just above the crossbar. The Cardinals and Crusaders were tied at zero entering the break, as Capital owned a 7-4 edge in total shots and Erin Gordon recorded three saves in the home goal.

The Cardinal defense of Katie Best, Haleigh Guerra, Haley Hott, Holly Bernhold and Cassidy Nicol were on their A-game, only allowing two shots in the second period.

Otterbein almost ended the scoreless match in the 67th minute as Shivley played a ball into the box and found Delaney Earl. The freshman attempted a header which hit off of the crossbar, bounced directly down and almost landed past the goal line.   

Otterbein finally beat the tough Crusader defense in the 72nd minute, as Shivley chipped the ball over goalkeeper Kelly Bachmann to give the Cards a the decisive moment. It was Shivley's 16th goal of the season as she extender her program single-season record, set during overtime in the first affair with Capital.

Capital started an aggressive attack with time running down, but the Cardinal defense held on and preserved victory. Otterbein owned a 16-9 advantage in total shots while attempting 10 corner kicks. 

The Cardinals will now be making their first appearance in the OAC Championship match since 2010, which culminated a string of three-straight tournament titles. The latter was a 1-0 triumph over Ohio Norther in overtime on a memorable header from Tara Smith.