UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio - Otterbein continues moving upward in Ohio Athletic Conference play after defeating John Carroll on the road inside Don Shula Stadium on Wednesday night. The Cardinals now sit 8-4-2 overall with a record of 4-1-1 in the conference, while the Blue Streaks rest even on their season at 7-7-2 overall and 3-3 in the OAC.
The Cards have also pushed their win streak to four this season, and have now beaten John Carroll six matches in a row.
The Cardinals had to fight hard to hold off the persistent Blue Streaks this time around, returning home with a narrow 1-0 win. The Otterbein defense has now posted seven shutouts on the season and four in league play.
Eight different Cardinals created offensive pressure by producing a total of 12 shots on the night. Lauren Alley claimed credit for three shots while Anjuli Anderson and Kalle Hotes each earned a pair as well. Bailey Zanella, Mackenzie Peeke, Payton Kaufman, and Aubrey Zanella each contributed a shot for the balanced attack, but it was Ava Bruns claiming the solo goal of the match during the 36th minute.
Anderson gained possession of the ball after a defensive clear from the back line, and used her speed for a quick run from the midfield line all the way to the John Carroll 18-yard box. After drawing in two Blue Streak defenders, Anderson played a perfect through ball to a waiting Bruns who quickly finished the play and put the Cardinals on the board.
The Blue Streaks kept the game close the entire way, matching the Cardinals in nearly all categories. John Carroll outshot the Cards 14-12, although both teams were equally accurate with six shots landing on frame each.
A John Carroll look in the 83rd minute almost landed an equalizer, as a shot from Kathryn Shaffer forced Ella Schwertfager to make a diving save. The deflected ball was then shot again by Emily Patrzyk but missed high over the goal post.
Patrzyk, a previous OAC Offensive Player of the Week, produced the most shots for the Blue Streaks with five total. The freshman has proven deadly in previous contests, but Schwertfager held her own in between the posts and prevented the Blue Streaks from making a comeback.
The Cardinal offense dominated in corner kicks by earning 11 total set-piece opportunities, while the Otterbein back line shut down the Blue Streaks by not allowing a single corner.
Otterbein will continue OAC play on the road, this time traveling to Berea to take on the Yellow Jackets of Baldwin Wallace. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday.
