WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- The Mount Union women's lacrosse team secured a crucial Ohio Athletic Conference victory against Otterbein University with a score of 20-9. This win guarantees the team a home game for the OAC tournament.

The Cardinals (9-5, 3-2 OAC) had a 3-2 lead after the first quarter, but the Purple Raiders (8-5, 4-0 OAC) stormed back in the second quarter to take a 10-5 lead, outscoring Otterbein 8-2.  

In the second half, Mount Union maintained its dominance, outscoring the Cardinals 5-0 in the third quarter and 5-4 in the fourth quarter. The Purple Raiders finished the game with 39 total shots, compared to Otterbein's 22. They also dominated the shots on goal, with 27 to Otterbein's 13, and excelled in assists, winning that category 13-5. 

Seniors Ella Nejad (Rocky River), and Haylee Handrahan (Hilliard / Hilliard Darby) led the Purple Raiders with five goals each. Nejad also recorded four assists, while Handrahan contributed one assist. Additionally, three other Raiders scored multiple goals: sophomore Mae Pawlikowski (Orchard Park, N.Y.) netted four goals, and freshmen Emma Kielbasa (Amherst, N.Y. / Sweet Home), and Mackenzie Brown (Pine Bush, N.Y.) scored two goals each. 

Freshman Lizzie Dorley (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Seton LaSalle) and sophomore Anna Weinel (Dayton / Chaminade-Julienne) each scored a goal for Mount Union, while junior Emma Labbe (Uniontown / Lake) led the team with four assists in the matchup. Senior Abby Reagan (Columbus / St. Francis De Sales) started in goal for the Purple Raiders and made seven saves. 

Mount Union's next game will be on the road in an OAC matchup against Ohio Northern on April 18th, with game time set for 4:00 PM.