WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Otterbein women's soccer team earned a 1–0 victory Wednesday night inside Memorial Stadium, controlling play from start to finish against Marietta in conference action.
The Cardinals got on the board early when sophomore Olivia Brooks buried a shot from 15 yards out in the fourth minute. Positioned in the center of the field, Brooks sent the ball soaring just beyond the goalkeeper's fingertips and into the back of the net to give Otterbein the quick advantage.
Marietta was forced to play a man down nearly the entire game after its goalkeeper received a red card just one minute later. Otterbein took full command of possession, finishing the first half with eight shots and seven corner kicks while holding the Pioneers without a single shot attempt.
The Cardinals continued to press in the second half, adding four more shots and six corners. Senior goalkeeper Ella Schwertfager anchored the defense with a shutout performance, playing all 90 minutes in goal. She capped her night with a highlight save in the closing moments leaping to deny a long-range shot from 25 yards out with just over a minute remaining.
Brooks, along with seniors
Rae Ehrbar and
Cami McCulty, led the attack with two shots on goal apiece.
Otterbein will return to action Saturday afternoon, traveling to Baldwin Wallace for a 1 p.m. kickoff.
