FINAL RESULTS

MASON, Ohio – A valiant push toward an Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) championship came up just short for the Otterbein women's tennis team Saturday afternoon, playing well but unfortunately dropping a 5-3 decision to top seed John Carroll.

The Cardinals, losing 8-1 to JCU less than two weeks ago, delivered a stronger punch this time around before the undefeated Blue Streaks won a few late courts to cement the deal. Otterbein took the court roughly 17 hours after a thrilling semifinal victory against Ohio Northern.

"To lose five of our top-six players from last season, and end up two courts away from a conference title, says all you need to know about this group of girls," head coach Tyler Stephen said. "We weren't close to this level in January, but they put in the time on their own to find themselves here today in this championship. I'm very proud of them"

Despite the quick turnaround, Otterbein opened fairly competitive in doubles action… Madi Mueller and Jordyn Traxler (Friday night's hero), dropped an 8-5 contest on the second line to begin. Erin Storrer and Rachelle Moses then came up short, 8-4 at the first spot.

The Cards finally hit the scoreboard to conclude doubles, as Julia Gillin and Rachel Ferguson worked hard to slip past their opponents 8-7. The duo caught momentum late to claim the breaker 7-1.

John Carroll bumped its lead to 3-1 as singles play began but the Cardinals won two courts back, knotting the match at 3-3.

Storrer dominated Megan Reese at the No. 1 spot, avenging a three-set loss in late April after she started cramping. The result was much different this time around as Storrer cruised to a convincing triumph (6-3, 6-1) to end her season with a 9-1 individual record.

Rachel Ferguson made quick work of her opponent at No. 5 by going a smooth 6-1, 6-2 and bringing her team back to even.

However, John Carroll kicked into gear by taking the next two courts and securing an automatic bid into the upcoming NCAA Championships. Mueller was in a third set at No. 2 singles that went unfinished.

The Cardinals culminate their shortened spring campaign at 7-3 overall, which included a pair of three-match winning streaks over the conference-only schedule.