HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – The No. 23-ranked Otterbein women's soccer program commenced its season in dominating fashion over the weekend, out-scoring the opponents 11-1 at Centenary's Kickoff Classic spanning Friday and Saturday.

The Cardinals, a quick 2-0 on the young season, will next return to Westerville for their home opener against Denison on Tuesday night at 7 p.m.


Friday vs. Drew (4-0 Win):

Otterbein wasted no time seizing control, as junior Emily Ganz took a pass from All-American classmate Bella Shivley in the 23rd minute and finished home to never look back. The Cards doubled their lead by intermission as Shivley netted one herself just six minutes before the break.

Two more goals occurred in the second half, with sophomore Delaney Earl blasting a shot home in the early going and then Drew accidentally posting an "own goal" on its defensive side to cap the scoring. Cardinal goalie Erin Gordon had three saves in the contest.

 
Saturday vs. Albright (7-1 Win):

Otterbein cruised to a lopsided victory on day two against Albright College, which went 14-5-2 last year and fell in the ECAC Championship contest last season.

The Lions were no match for the Cardinals on this day despite actually taking the early lead, scoring in just the third minute on a goal from Disa Hasanaj. Otterbein quickly regrouped with three scores in the next 10 minutes by way of Ganz, Earl and Shivley once again.

Earl added another just before halftime for a 4-1 advantage and the onslaught continued during second-half play. Ganz tallied her second goal in the 50th minute before Earl took things home, scoring another two within 71 seconds of each other for a memorable day.

Earl becomes just the third player in program history to score four goals in a single match, joining Hayley Pelz (1999) and Karen Beers (2004). The reigning OAC Freshman of the Year, Earl scored 13 times a season ago and already has five this fall.

Otterbein finished with a 23-9 shot advantage and attempted five corner kicks. Gordon went the distance again between the pipes and was credited with four saves.