WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- The Capital University women's basketball team traveled across town to face rivals Otterbein on Saturday. Despite a slow-start, the Comets were able to make things interesting down the stretch. However, the Capital comeback effort was snubbed by the Cardinals, and the game ended with the score reading 52-39 in favor of Otterbein.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Comets got out to a very slow start offensively and found themselves facing a heavy deficit at the first break.  However, a strong bounce-back effort in the second, led by Maddi Weiland, kept the Comets in contention. Weiland had five points, four rebounds, and one steal in the period.

In the second half, Capital was able to put some pressure on Otterbein, holding steady with the Cardinals in the third, and making a significant cut into the lead in the fourth. Alas, the comeback effort was too little too late, and the Comets found themselves on the wrong end of the scoreboard, 39-52.

THE NUMBERS
The freshmen led the way in this one. Laney Murphy and Maddi Weiland combined for 21 points and 14 rebounds in the game. Murphy had 16 points, four rebounds, two steals and one assist. Likewise, Weiland dominated the boards with 10 rebounds, supplemented with five points, two assists, one steal, and one block.

Junior Demi Brewer racked up seven points as well as four rebounds, one assist, and a career-high two blocks.

Kaylee Cyphers turned in a close second for the rebounding lead with eight. The junior from Cedarville also had two blocks, one steal, and one assist.

Also notable were Maddie Dougoud's five assists and four rebounds.

UP NEXT
The Capital women look ahead to a January 26 matchup with the Muskies of Muskingum. The game will be played at home at the Capital Center. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST.