WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Otterbein University women's basketball team held off a second-half push to defeat Mount Union, 64–53, Saturday afternoon inside the Rike Center. With the win, the Cardinals completed a two-game season sweep of the Purple Raiders and improved to 14–5 overall and 8–2 in OAC play.

Otterbein set the tone from the opening tip, forcing seven first-quarter turnovers and holding Mount Union to just six points in the opening period. The Cardinals jumped out early behind a balanced attack and carried a 15–6 advantage after one.

The Cardinals continued to control the pace in the second quarter, finding success in the paint and on the offensive glass. A late run at the free-throw line helped Otterbein extend the margin, taking a 31–15 lead into halftime.

Mount Union came out with renewed energy in the third, attacking the basket and getting to the line to chip away at the deficit. The Purple Raiders pulled within nine late in the quarter, but Otterbein answered with timely stops and closed the period up 45–33.

The visitors continued to push in the fourth and again cut it to single digits, but the Cardinals responded with poise down the stretch. Otterbein leaned on its defense and free-throw shooting to keep Mount Union at bay and seal the victory.

Sophomore Mattie Walburn led the Cardinals with 18 points and five steals. Junior Anna Waskiewicz added nine points and a career-high 11 rebounds, including seven on the offensive glass. Sophomore Kiara Hudgins finished with eight points and three assists, while junior Abby Rawlings chipped in seven points and three assists.

As a team, Otterbein forced 22 turnovers and converted them into 25 points.

The Cardinals return to action Wednesday, Feb. 4, hosting Marietta at the Rike Center with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m.