SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - Wittenberg's hot start continued as the Tigers improved to 5-0 with a stunningly lop-sided 85-36 victory over visiting Otterbein.

The five-win streak to open the season marked Wittenberg's best start since the 1993-94 season. Otterbein fell to 1-2 on the young campaign.

The Cardinals held a 15-14 lead at the 12:32 mark of the first half when Wittenberg Head Coach Sarah Jurewicz called a timeout. Her words of wisdom appeared to have a positive affect as the Tigers reeled off the next 20 points en route to a 40-21 halftime lead. Otterbein got no closer than 20 points in the second half.

The Tigers shot 54 percent in the first half and 50 percent over the final 20 minutes, even as Jurewicz emptied her bench. All 14 Wittenberg players in uniform saw at least four minutes of action in the game, and 12 of them found their way into the scoring column. In addition, the Tigers held a commanding 52-33 rebounding advantage and forced 23 Otterbein turnovers while limiting the Cardinals to just 25 percent shooting from the field.

Otterbein also made just 4-of-12 from the free throw line.

Individually, Wittenberg was paced by senior Darbie Zirkle (St. Paris, Ohio/Graham) with 18 points, in addition to four rebounds, two steals and career-high three blocked shots. Freshman Haley Dannemiller (Cleves, Ohio/Mother of Mercy) came off the bench to added 12 points and three rebounds in 14 effective minutes, while senior Katelyn Haralamos (Maineville, Ohio/Kings) stuffed the stats sheet with nine points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals.

Also of note, senior Heather Schroeder (Aurora, Ohio/Aurora) contributed eight points and seven rebounds, and junior Ali Miller (Cincinnati, Ohio/McNicholas) chipped in with eight points and seven boards.

Written By: Ryan Maurer