Otterbein University Athletics

WESTERVILLE, Ohio - The No. 15 Otterbein volleyball team had plenty to celebrate Saturday, recognizing its senior class while hosting Capital University for the Battle of the Oar on their home court. This win also clinched the OAC Regular Season title. The Cardinals swiftly took care of business, sweeping the visitors in straight sets (25-16, 25-11, 25-20).
 
Celebrating their seven seniors: Olivia Krill, Lexi Scott, Bailee Toadvine, Makenzie Schellenberger, Ashley Kefauver, Emma Steiger, and Elise Adelman, Otterbein rolled in set one, and the Cardinals immediately handled business, swinging at a .382 clip as a squad. As well as ripping four service aces, the Cardinals also led in kills. With Otterbein's largest lead being 22-14, they kept the pace through the entirety of the set, not allowing a Capital lead. A kill from Schellenberger brought the Cardinals to a victorious set one, 25-16.
 
Set two began with the Cardinals coming out strong yet again. Otterbein held the Comets under double digits until the very end of the set, when a service ace from Steiger handed them the second set win, 25-10. Otterbein swung at an incredible .632 clip during this set, as well as tallying seven service aces as a team. The Cardinals also had four blocks, as compared to zero from the visiting Comets.
 
In the third and final set, the Cardinals delivered once more, leading in all categories for a third time. Swinging at .209 as a squad and putting up four service aces, a Capital attack error gave the Cardinals their 10^th straight win. This win leaves the Oar in Westerville, with the Otterbein squad having won their 15^th straight match against Capital, dating back to 2015. This win also clinched the No. 1 seed in the OAC Tournament for the Cardinals, as well as this being the first time since 2023 the Otterbein volleyball team has been undefeated in conference.
 
Offensively, Adelman and junior Emerson Baum led in kills, both with nine. Adelman led in assists with 20, while Schellenberger swung at an astounding .667 clip while also dishing out five aces for the Otterbein arsenal. Kefauver led the defensive side with 11 digs, as well as tallying two aces against the Comets.
 
The Cardinals will be back in action on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. when they take on John Carroll at home.

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