WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Junior Emily Bates scored twice in the first six minutes as the Otterbein University women’s soccer team defeated the University of Mount Union 2-0 Saturday afternoon at Clements Field.

The victory clinches the No. 2 seed in next week’s Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament for Otterbein, which now stands at 10-5-2 overall and finishes 7-1-1 in OAC play.

The win gives Otterbein seniors Adrienne Novak and Alyssa Hale 68 for their careers, tying them as the winningest class in conference history. The duo, who were honored prior to starting time as part of Senior Day, has compiled a 68-9-9 record since arriving as freshman.

The loss dropped the Purple Raiders to 8-9-2 on the season and 3-6 in the league.

Bates converted a header off a corner kick from senior Adrienne Novak in the fourth minute, putting Otterbein ahead 1-0.

Bates then turned around to score on another header less than three minutes later, this time taking a pass from freshman Melinda Stemen off a short corner attempt and finishing it home.

The Cardinal defense stood strong from that point on to post the shutout and the 2-0 victory.

Otterbein outshot Mount Union 19-3 and held a dominant 18-1 advantage on corner kicks.

Maria Favorite had five saves in goal for the visitors while Otterbein keeper Melissa Zang was forced to make just one.

The Cards will host a conference tournament semi-final match on Thursday afternoon against the winner of Capital and Wilmington. Starting time from Clements Field is scheduled for 2 p.m.

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