SCRANTON, Pa. — The Otterbein University women's basketball team saw its memorable 2025-26 season come to an end Saturday night, falling 82-43 at Scranton in the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament inside the John Long Center.
The Cardinals finished the year with a 23-6 overall record, tying the 2003-04 team for the most wins in program history. That 2003-04 campaign also carries a special connection to the current program, as it marked the senior season of current head coach Diana Noles. Otterbein's 23-win season also stands as just the fourth 20-win campaign in program history.
Otterbein continued to battle in the second quarter. After Scranton built a 28-17 lead, the Cardinals answered with a strong stretch from junior Nicole Terry, who scored three straight baskets to help keep Otterbein within reach. Junior Anna Waskiewicz played a key role during that run, assisting on back-to-back Terry layups as the Cardinals trimmed the deficit to 28-23 midway through the quarter.
Otterbein later got within 32-25 on a jumper from sophomore Mattie Walburn at the 2:58 mark before the Royals closed the half on a late three-pointer to take a 39-25 lead into the break.
The third quarter proved decisive, as Scranton outscored Otterbein 25-12 and used repeated trips to the foul line to create separation. The Royals attempted 31 free throws and made 24, while the Cardinals finished 8-of-10 at the stripe. Otterbein was whistled for 25 fouls compared to 15 for Scranton.
Walburn led the Cardinals with 14 points on 7-of-11 shooting, while Terry added 10 points and five rebounds off the bench. Freshman Cameron Sparks chipped in seven points, and junior Kyla Irby finished with six.
The Cardinals finished with 13 assists on 17 made baskets, while the bench provided 21 points in the effort.
Saturday's result closes the book on one of the strongest seasons in program history. Otterbein captured the Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament title, advanced to the NCAA Tournament second round, and matched the program record for wins, adding another milestone season to the history of Cardinal women's basketball.
