NEW CONCORD, Ohio – Emerson Baum's career-best 22 kills paced the No. 20 Otterbein University volleyball team to a 3-1 win over Muskingum University. The sophomore was one of three Cardinals to finish with double-digit kills, giving Otterbein a crucial conference victory.
 
The Cardinals dominated the opening set, winning by a 25-18 margin. In the set, Otterbein rattled off five service aces – two each from Emma Steiger and Annie Casper and one from Makenzie Schellenberger. At set point, the Muskies floated a serve long, giving the visitors an early lead.
 
In the second set, Muskingum held the lead early on, but the Cardinals continued to claw back. Otterbein tied the set at 24-24, but the Muskies scored the final two points to claim the set. Otterbein immediately responded in the third set, using a 6-0 run midway through to pull away from the hosts. Otterbein continued to pressure Muskingum, before a kill from Maddie Mergen secured a 25-15 win for the Cardinals.
 
The Cardinals maintained all momentum in the fourth set, as a late run built a commanding lead for the visitors. Lexi Scott added 13 kills and senior Brooke Bard finished with 10. Olivia Vitaz dished out 47 assists in the win, while totaling 13 digs. Ashley Kefauver led the way with 21 digs and Grace Ganz added a career-high 19.
 
Tomorrow the Cardinals will face off against non-conference opponent Wittenberg in Springfield. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.