NEW CONCORD, Ohio – Fueled by a balanced offensive attack, the Otterbein University women's basketball team rolled to an 85–54 win at Muskingum on Saturday afternoon. The Cardinals improve to 12-4 overall and 6-1 in the OAC with the road victory.
Two Cardinals finished with 15 points apiece, as first-year Cameron Sparks and sophomore Mattie Walburn led the way. Sparks also pulled down 11 rebounds to notch a double-double, going a perfect 7-for-7 at the free throw line. Walburn was efficient from the floor finishing 6-for-9.
Otterbein controlled the game from the jump, opening on an 11–4 spurt and forcing early Muskingum turnovers. The Cardinals carried a 24–15 lead after one, getting an immediate impact from their bench as the rotation stayed fresh throughout the opening quarter.
Muskingum tried to settle in during the second, but Otterbein continued to win the hustle plays. An Abby Rawlings three and a pair of transition finishes helped the Cardinals create separation, and Otterbein went into the locker room up 42–27 at the half.
The Cardinals kept the pressure on coming out of the break, using a strong third quarter to widen the gap. Otterbein got consistent touches inside and multiple second-chance opportunities, pushing the lead to 62–41 heading into the fourth.
With the margin secure, Otterbein continued to extend it in the final 10 minutes. Sophomore Kadence Conley drilled a three during the fourth-quarter run, while junior Ally Carr and senior Ella Nagel provided a late spark as the Cardinals closed out the afternoon with 23 points in the period.
Otterbein's defense set the tone, forcing 21 Muskingum turnovers and limiting the Fighting Muskies to 16 field goals. The Cardinals also owned the glass, winning the rebounding battle 38–23 with 19 offensive rebounds. Otterbein finished with 51 bench points, continuing the trend of strong depth production.
Sophomore Kiara Hudgins finished with eight points and a team-best four assists, while junior Anna Waskiewicz added eight points and two steals in 16 minutes. Freshman Kate Mosher scored seven points, going 7-for-8 at the line while coming up with three steals.
Otterbein returns home next Wednesday, January 21, to continue OAC play against Wilmington. Tip-off inside the Rike Center is set for 7 p.m.
