ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Otterbein fell short on the road in women's soccer action Saturday afternoon, suffering a 2-0 defeat against the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Tigers in non-conference action. The Cards now stand 0-2-1 on the season while RIT remains undefeated at 4-0.
 
The Cardinals were back on the field for the first time in six days after originally being scheduled to take on the Battling Bishops of Ohio Wesleyan this past Wednesday. But, due to unplayable field conditions, the game was canceled and has not been rescheduled.
 
Otterbein and RIT had faced previously in 2013 and 2014, with both matches going into overtime. Both went into double overtime as the Tigers won the initial matchup 1-0 while the latter ended in a 0-0 draw.
 
Following suit with the previous matches, the double-digit foul count (24 total in the newest installment) showcased the competitive spirit between both schools once again.
 
RIT applied pressure offensively, outshooting Otterbein 11-4, with seven shots landing on goal compared to Otterbein's two. Otterbein keeper Ella Schewertfager had a total of five saves while counterpart keeper Darcie Jones of RIT only had to make two saves.
 
Christine Cataldo-Smith scored the first goal of the contest in the 61st minute after rebounding a blocked shot from Schewertfager. The second goal for RIT came from Maddy Bullis in the 76th minute. Sam Halligan proved to be the playmaker on free kicks for the Tigers as she was credited with both assists.
 
Jada Leyland, Kesley Louderback, and Ava Bruns generated the four shots of the match for Otterbein. Bruns nearly found the back of the net during a one-on-one against Jones but missed wide.
 
The Cardinals will come home to continue play on Tuesday the 13th, hosting the Tigers of Wittenberg. First kick is set for 7 p.m.