Tiger Women's Soccer Draws Even With Otterbein

WESTERVILLE, OH - Wittenberg Women's Soccer needed just five more seconds to secure a signature win at Otterbein. And then, in the most unlikely of circumstances, the Cardinals found a way to even the score.

Despite being outshot 18-6 in the game, Wittenberg was hanging on to a 1-0 lead as the announcer counted down the final seconds of the second half. That's when an unfortunate bounce led to a free kick, allowing the Cardinals to re-set the ball before the Tiger defense had a chance to find their shape. At that moment, Otterbein freshman Natalie Smith scored the first goal of her collegiate career, netting a free kick from 25 yards out to stun Wittenberg and secure a 1-1 draw.

Coming off an unexpected three-game hiatus due to the security threats to campus, the tie left Wittenberg with a record of 2-3-1 on the season, heading into their last two non-conference games - at home against Case Western on September 28 and on the road against Asbury on October 2. After a 4-0 start to the season, Otterbein is now 5-1-2 heading into its non-conference finale against Trine on September 28.

Otterbein held a commanding 11-1 advantage in shots over the opening 45 minutes, but it was the visiting team that dented the scoreboard first. Wittenberg took a 1-0 lead in the 52nd minute after a free kick was deflected off the crossbar by the Otterbein goalkeeper and into a scrum in the penalty area, where freshman Emma Rhodis (Hamilton, OH / Badin) cashed in with her first collegiate goal.

Senior Brooke Mullis (Lawrenceburg, IN / Taylor) led Wittenberg with three shots in the game, including two that were on target. Rhodis added two shots, and Alex Hill (Powell, OH / Olentangy Liberty) had the other attempt on goal. Netminder Lily Winkle (Cynthiana, KY / Harrison County) was credited with five saves in goal at the other end of the pitch.