ADA, Ohio – A nice road win was in store for the Otterbein women's lacrosse team Wednesday night, which got back to even this spring with a 15-10 triumph at host Ohio Northern.

The Cardinals improve to 5-5 overall as a result of the decision, now also standing 3-1 against the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) as well.

Otterbein jumped ahead early on goals from Macey Buchanan (just 52 seconds in) and Logan Fox at the 12:27 mark of the opening quarter. ONU scored at the midway point, but the Cards regained momentum with a 3-0 run to end the period. Included in the stretch was a man-up goal off the stick of Lauren Newkirk.

Ohio Northern scored five times in the second quarter, beginning with a 3-0 counter run to get back within a possession. Emily Willms, reigning OAC Offensive Player of the Week, stopped that bleeding with a goal and the visiting Cardinals eventually took an 8-6 lead into halftime.

Otterbein never trailed in the game despite the Polar Bears remaining close throughout. The Cards led 11-9 near the end of the third quarter, but a score from Carli Rigel with just 34 seconds left ignited a four-goal run bridging into the culminating frame.

Another rocket from Rigel (man-up) with 8:07 left in regulation busted the game open and Otterbein cruised down the stretch. ONU scored with one second remaining to somewhat shrink the final margin.

Both teams ripped off 26 shots, with Otterbein overcoming 24 turnovers thanks to double-digit saves from Maggie Nance on the defensive end. The freshman goalie made 11 stops in the cage.

Seven Cardinals registered at least one point and five enjoyed multi-goal outings. Willms netted four while Rigel and Buchanan each posted hat tricks.

Otterbein also won 17 of 28 draws, spearheaded behind 11 from Rigel (back in action) after missing the last five games. Ohio Northern now holds a 5-6 record as a team this season.

The Cardinals will have a quick 48-hour turnaround heading into this weekend, traveling over to nearby Capital for their Roush Auto Rivalry Showdown on Friday evening at Bernlohr Stadium.