WILMINGTON, Ohio – Otterbein University, which sits atop the Ohio Athletic Conference standings, scored four second-half goals in a 4-0 victory over the Wilmington College women's soccer team at Williams Stadium on Thursday evening.
Bella Shivley, Otterbein's all-time leader in points, goals and assists, attempted to open the scoring in the first five minutes has she fired two shots, but neither were on target. It was Wilmington's turn to take the offensive. Haley Fulton and McKenzie Weaver both took long shots that were easily saved by Erin Gordon. In the 18th minute, however, the Fightin' Quakers had their best scoring chance in the first half. The Cardinal back line misplayed a cross, and it found the feet of Taylor Huffman on the near sideline. Huffman settled and fired a shot near post, but Gordon made the save.
Midway through the first half, the Cardinals earned a free kick from about 30 yards out. Shivley fired a shot headed towards the far post, but it caromed off the crossbar. The rebound came to the head of Priscilla Severance, whose shot was blocked. Shivley had one more crack at goal after pouncing on the loose ball, but Lauren Galloway made the save.
After a scoreless first half, the Cardinals' pressure paid off five minutes in as Shivley flicked a through ball to Anjuli Anderson who beat Galloway with a near-side shot from inside the box. Two minutes later, Otterbein came inches away from doubling its lead as Emily Ganz fired a shot that hit the inside of the post. Not to be deterred, Ganz picked the pocket of the Quaker back line in the 59th minute and after being fouled in the box, Ganz converted the penalty kick.
Otterbein would score two more goals with Shivley being involved in both, scoring one and assisting on the other, to close out its ninth consecutive victory over Wilmington.
The Cardinals held a 28-7 edge in shots including a 14-5 disparity in shots on goal. Galloway took the loss despite making 10 saves. Gordon made five saves to earn the shutout victory.
Wilmington (2-2-2) will head to Baldwin Wallace University for a 7 p.m. game on Monday (day change due to Easter holiday).
