GRANVILLE, Ohio (Aug. 30) – The visiting Otterbein Cardinals scored in the third minute of play to pick up a road win over Denison University in non-conference action at Kienzle-Hylbert Stadium in the season opener for both teams. 
 
Keaton Aspacher was able to slid past the Denison defense and tuck the ball inside the right post from close range to give the visiting Cardinals a 1-0 lead just 2:17 into the match. 
 
The Big Red put four shots on goal in the first half. Kendall Sierens registered the first shot on goal in the 15th minute. Lola Tirabassi and Caroline Flynn each put a shot on goal later in the half. 
 
Neither team could garner much of a scoring chance in the second half. Both squads put one shot on goal over the final 45 minutes. The best opportunity for Denison came in the 87th minute when Kate Dalimonte blasted a free kick towards the goal from long range. The Otterbein keeper was able to get a hand on the shot for the save to preserve the one-goal advantage.
 
Denison tacked on a corner kick and two more shots down the stretch but ultimately fell short in the season opener. 
 
Both teams managed nine shots during the contest. Denison held a 5-3 advantage in shots on goal. The Big Red finished with a 5-4 edge in corner kick chances. 
 
Mattie Mielke finished with a team-best nine shots for the Big Red. 
 
Denison will host Capital University for a non-conference match on Sunday, Sept. 1 in Granville. Kick off between the Big Red and the Comets. is scheduled for 12 p.m.