Otterbein Tops Women’s Basketball In Westerville

The Heidelberg College women’s basketball team had one of its best offensive games on Saturday, but were unable to overcome similar numbers from host Otterbein College (14-9, 10-6 OAC) in a 91-79 Ohio Athletic Conference loss in Westerville, Ohio.

For the game, Heidelberg (11-12, 4-12 OAC) shot a season-high 52.6 percent (30-for-57) from the field. The Berg also sank a season-high 30 field goals, including a season-high 10 from long range. The 79 points on the scoreboard for the Berg was its highest point total of the year.

The first half featured seven ties and four lead changes. Back-to-back three-pointers from junior Maureen Hunter (Toledo, Ohio / Notre Dame) knotted the game at 14-14 and Hollie Knott (Concord, Ohio / Riverside) gave the Berg its first lead of the contest, 16-14, on a jumper with 13:53 on the clock in the opening half of action. The lead switched hands on three more occasions, with Otterbein regaining the lead, 42-40, on a lay up from Sarah Esterkamp with 3:15 on the clock before intermission. The Cardinals outscored the Berg 9-4 over the final 2:51 to hold a 51-44 advantage at the break.

Otterbein extended its lead to as many as 18 points on two occasions in the second half, with the lastest being a 83-65 lead with 5:36 left in the game. The Berg pulled within 10 points twice, but could not get any closer.

Hunter and Brittany Skolnicki (Lorain, Ohio / Clearview) led the way with 18 points apiece. Hunter recorded four treys on the day. Recording a double-double was Amanda Campbell (Pataskala, Ohio / Watkins Memorial) with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Rounding out four in double figures for Heidelberg was Stacey Richard (Galloway, Ohio / Central Crossing) with 13 points.

Heidelberg concludes its 2006-07 regular season slate with two-straight at Seiberling Gymnasium beginning with Capital on Wednesday. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m.