STEUBENVILLE, Ohio – A big first half led to a rather comfortable victory for Otterbein on the women's lacrosse field Tuesday afternoon, with the Cardinals opening strong to beat Franciscan (15-3) in non-conference action.

The Cardinals, topping the Barons for a fourth-straight meeting, get back over .500 on the season and now rest 4-3 overall heading into a big conference opener this weekend.

Ava Robey scored twice in the first four minutes for Otterbein and the press was on. Robey and Emily Willms accounted for the next three goals leading into the second quarter and a 5-0 cushion.

Otterbein carried a 9-0 lead into halftime and bridged the second-third quarters on a pair of goals from Lauren Newkirk, including a man-down tally just two minutes after intermission.

Grace Deegan got Franciscan on the scoreboard midway through the third quarter. Willms countered with a string of three-straight goals to recapture momentum on the visitor side and leave little doubt in the final outcome.

Willms and Robey combined for nine goals while Riley Smith also contributed heavily with a six-point day, coming on two goals and four assists. Six different Cardinals found the scoring column altogether.

Otterbein doubled-up the Barons in total shots at 35-17 and was successful on all but four of their 27 clear attempts. Four different players also corralled multiple draws.

Maggie Nance made nine saves in goal and stymied the Barons on free-position chances, keeping the hosts at 0 for 7 in the category.

The Cards will now turn their focus to reigning OAC champion Capital this weekend at Memorial Stadium. Opening draw is set for 1 p.m.