WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Cardinals hung close and stayed within shouting distance nearly the entire way, but couldn't fully catch up in dropping a 15-10 decision with Ohio Wesleyan in the non-conference finale at Memorial Stadium.

The Bishops, improving to 6-2 this year, led wire-to-wire on a sunny (yet very chilly) afternoon despite Otterbein keeping pace for a large chunk of the contest.

Otterbein only trailed 2-1 nearing the midway point of the first quarter, but a quick three-goal run by the Bishops pushed the score to 5-1 at the first break.

The Cardinals faced deficits of 7-2 in the second quarter and then 10-4 shortly after intermission, but admirably scraped back within 12-10 midway through the fourth quarter on consecutive goals from Alyssa Glenn.

However, the Bishops won a key draw control that was up for grabs and ultimately regroup to net a few back-breaking goals that were just too much to overcome.

Otterbein fought until the final horn, with Glenn and Rigel hooking up for a goal with about 90 seconds remaining. The duo combined for nine goals and 13 total points on the afternoon.

Maggie Nance contributed another performance with double-digit saves (11) while a pair of counterpart goalies for OWU teamed to secure six.

Nicole Klabus and Casey Conklin combined for nine scores on the visitor side.  Ohio Wesleyan won 18 of 30 draw controls and was nearly perfect clearing the ball at 20 for 21.

The Cardinals will now turn their attention to Ohio Athletic Conference play, traveling over to Muskingum this coming Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m.