Box Score WESTERVILLE, Ohio – Despite a hot start, the Capital University women's lacrosse team dropped an 11-9 decision to crosstown rival Otterbein University on Wednesday evening at Memorial Stadium.
Capital (8-3, 2-2 OAC) broke off three straight goals in the opening six minutes to jump out to an early lead. Freshman Regan Hanood (Pickerington, Ohio/North) continued her strong play with the opening goal after receiving a feed from fellow first-year Marlee McCloud (Milford, Ohio). The attack of the freshmen continued with back-to-back goals by Victoria Husain (Westerville, Ohio/South).
Otterbein (7-5, 2-2 OAC) responded with five straight scores over an 11-minute span. One of the Cardinals' goals was scored after Hanood was hit with a yellow card, creating a man-up opportunity. Over that time, Capital committed six turnovers and had three shots turned away by Cardinals goaltender Ariel Petroval.
Freshman Kara Hines (Columbus, Ohio/Worthington Kilbourne) broke up that string of goals with her first of the match, but Otterbein went on to score three of the next four to end the half.
Capital was unable to overcome an 8-5 halftime deficit after both teams alternated goals over the first 20 minutes of the second half. Titus scored two of her three goals in the second half and freshman Taylor Thomas (Canton, Ohio) scored Capital's second goal while a man down on a free-position shot to make for an 11-9 game. However, four Capital turnovers prevented the Crusaders from mounting an offensive attack while the Cardinals rattled off three shots and picked up four ground balls to keep possession of the ball over the final six minutes.
While Capital shored up its defense in the second half by trimming the number of shots allowed from 18 to 11 from the first to second half, their 24 total turnovers prevented them from getting into a rhythm offensively. Maddie Wilson (Chagrin Falls, Ohio) made 11 saves on 22 shots faced.
Courtney Hilfinger, Annie Kelly and Katy Williams each scored two goals to lead the Cardinals while Kelly added two assists to possess the team point lead.
Capital will play its final road game this Saturday, April 18, at John Carroll University. The opening draw is set for 1 p.m.