After a closely fought first quarter, John Carroll women's basketball fell behind to Otterbein and the Cardinals pulled away with a 71-56 win at the Rike Center in Westerville, Ohio.

Katlyn Spahar recorded 15 points and eight rebounds for the night. Sarah Sprecher finished up the game with 14 points, and Chelbi Graham recorded a double-double, 12 points and eight rebounds. Eight out the the nine players for the Blue Streaks scored.

Both teams came out strong defensively. Sarah Sprecher contributed eight points in the first quarter, which included sinking a three-pointer in the last minute to cut the deficit to one.  Otterbein led 15-14.

The Blue Streaks were off to a quick start in the second quarter. Sprecher made a layup, taking the lead 16-15. The Cardinals responded quickly, going on a 10-2 run. John Carroll finished up the half trailing Otterbein 36-27. Sprecher led the Blue Streaks at the half with 10 points.

It was a close battle during the third quarter. John Carroll eventually cut the deficit to six points, but that would be the closest they would come. Otterbein eventually pulled away. The final score for tonight's contest was 71-56.

The Cardinals were led by Kiersten Taylor with 22 points, Dani Kissel with 19 points, and Abbie Scholz with 13 rebounds.  

The Blue Streaks drop to 3-9 in the OAC and 5-15 overall. Otterbein moves to 5-8 in the OAC and 9-11 overall.  

John Carroll takes on the Quakers of Wilmington College at the Tony DeCarlo Varsity Center on Saturday, February 4. Tip off at 3:00 p.m.