ALMA, Mich. – The Otterbein women's basketball team came up short on the road Friday, falling 54-46 at Alma in a defensive battle that stayed close until the fourth quarter.

Otterbein opened the game strong, jumping out to a 5-0 start behind a free throw from junior Kyla Irby and layups from junior Anna Waskiewicz and sophomore Mattie Walburn. After Alma's first points at the 7:10 mark, Waskiewicz connected from long range to push the lead to 8-2. The Cardinals continued to control the early tempo as Walburn knocked down a jumper and sophomore Kadence Conley hit two free throws to make it 12-4 midway through the first.

Alma slowly worked its way back, closing the gap late in the quarter and eventually taking a narrow 24-21 lead into halftime.

The third quarter remained tight as both sides traded baskets and neither team led by more than a few points. Otterbein put together a late push to slip ahead 38-37 entering the final frame.

Alma regained the lead early in the fourth and created separation with a key stretch of scoring, building a multi-possession advantage down the stretch. A layup from freshman Cameron Sparks and late free throws from Irby brought the Cards within reach, but the Scots held steady to secure the win.

Sophomore Kiara Hudgins led Otterbein with nine points, along with two rebounds and a steal. Irby, Waskiewicz and Walburn each added seven, with Waskiewicz also collecting four rebounds and three steals.

Otterbein will be back in action tomorrow, traveling to Adrian for a 3 p.m. matchup.