Box Score WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Mount Union women's basketball team (2-4) took down the Otterbein Cardinals (3-3) in their second Ohio Athletic Conference matchup of the weekend at Rikes Center with a final score of 79-73.
The Purple Raiders were led offensively by senior Elena Rauhe (Seven Hills / Padua Franciscan) who tallied 28 points and six rebounds, as well as junior Isi Palamone (Murrysville, Pa. / Franklin Regional) who had 12 points and five rebounds. On the defensive end, senior Brianna Gassman (Minerva) led the way with 12 rebounds which marks a new career-high.
Otterbein was led by Natalie Galaida who recorded 12 points and three rebounds.
The Purple Raiders got on the board first with a 3-pointer from Rauhe and held their lead until 1:00 remaining in the quarter, and finished the first period down three 19-16. The Purple Raiders outscored the Cardinals in the second period 25-15. Mount Union went on a seven-point scoring run sparked in the 3rd minute of the quarter sparked by two made free throws by Gassman. The Purple Raiders claimed their largest lead of the half with 0:45 remaining in the second quarter off a three-point shot from sophomore Emma Cannon (Dalton) to make the score 41-31. The Cardinals were able to sneak a few more in to end the first half down seven with a score of 41-34. Mount Union did not slow down and kept their lead into the third quarter as they outscored the Cardinals 26-20 and lead by 13 at the end of the period. Otterbein tried to chip away at the Purple Raider lead as they outscored the Raiders in the fourth quarter, however, their efforts came up short as the Purple Raiders solidified the win with a final score of 79-73.
Mount Union will be back in action next weekend when they continue their home-and-home series at the Seiberling Gymnasium as they take on the Student Princes of Heidelberg University on Friday, Feb. 13 at 7 PM.
