WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- The Capital University women's basketball team made the short trip north to face off against their archrivals Otterbein in Westerville on Saturday night, the first of two meetings with the Cardinals in the 2024-25 season. The Comets came out red hot and took a demanding lead to start off, but Otterbein managed to battle back and even take the lead in the third quarter. However, Cap would not quit, retaking control of the game and riding it out to a 58-50 victory.

The big win advances the Purple and White to 12-3 (6-2 OAC) on the season. The Cardinals drop to 8-7 (4-4 OAC).

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Comets came out hot, going on a 13-0 run to start the game. This fiery start was fueled by a barrage of buckets from Bri O'Connor, who had eight points in the first four minutes of play. The Purple and White would continue their dominance until the end of the first quarter, leading to a score of 21-6 at the first break.

Otterbein got their feet under them during the second quarter and managed to find some buckets of their own. Capital would continue to score, and despite the Cardinals cutting the lead to as low as five points, the Comets would go into halftime with a 33-20 lead.

CU had an usually slow start to begin the second half of play and the Cardinals took advantage. Missed shots and turnovers turned to buckets on the other end, and with 38 seconds left in the third quarter, Otterbein took their first lead of the game with a score of 38-37. The Comets would regain the lead before heading to the fourth quarter when Bri O'Connor slipped by her defender and finished at the rim giving Capital a 39-38 lead before the buzzer.

The Comet faithful filled the bleachers in the fourth quarter, leading to an electric environment to finish the game. Both teams were playing their best when it mattered, trading buckets as time expired. Laney Murphy came alive in the final minutes, drilling two huge three-pointers to give Cap the edge. Despite Otterbein's best efforts, O'Connor and Murphy were efficient from the free throw line to ice the game for CU, 58-50.

THE NUMBERS
Bri O'Connor had an impact all over the floor, leading the team with 25 points. She also managed to haul in seven rebounds, and played lockdown defense with two steals, adding an assist as well.

Laney Murphy finished with 15 points with four three-pointers. She also showed her hustle on the defensive end with two steals and two blocks.

Maddi Weiland had a monster game in the paint, fighting for a season-high 12 rebounds and defending the rim with four blocks.

Jenna Horsley hit 2-of-2 from behind the arc, totaling six points.

Samaree Perkins put up 10 points and pulled down four rebounds with one assist and one block.

Kya Jordan had two points, two rebounds, three assists, and one steal.

UP NEXT
The Comets will travel to Marietta on Wednesday, set to get started at 7:00 p.m.