Labor Day weekend marks the start of the season for many of Otterbein’s sports teams in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC). Otterbein360 is giving an overview of what this season could look like for the Cardinals’ fall sports teams.
Women’s Soccer
Head Coach Brandon Koons and the Cardinals’ women’s soccer team might be about to enter one of the most interesting seasons in recent history. While the 2016-2017 Cardinals feature the biggest senior class in the history of their program, there is also a big recruiting class coming in. Some of the freshmen anticipate getting early playing time, which is even more important considering there are gaps to fill.
Among others, four-year starting goalkeeper Dana Strimbu, reigning OAC forward of the Year Megan McCabe and three-time first team All-OAC selection Jillian Strimbu finished their careers. This leaves six starters from last season, which ended in a surprising and disappointing upset in the first round of the OAC Tournament.
However, Koons is looking forward to the season and hopes that this unique mix can generate another successful season. Led by three-time All-OAC forward Madison Burchfield, this team has the chance to make another run to win the OAC regular-season title.
Golf
The Otterbein University Golf team is starting as the No. 9 Divison-III program by the Bushnell Golfweek Preseason Coaches Poll. Having won 18 out of the last 25 OAC championships, Head Coach Brian Booher is positive that the next season will be successful as well. After the program ended last season as the No. 7 team in the NCAA Championships, hopes are high to reach another great result.
Not only are the Cardinals returning four upperclassmen, including NCAA squad members Austin Wells and Kris Clarke, they also brought in five promising freshmen to add strength to their rotation.
Women’s cross country
The women’s cross country team starts its first-ever post-championship season. All-Ohio Coach of the Year Dara Ford and an all-time high of 24 runners find themselves in a great situation for a repeat. Having only lost one senior, the squad looks prepared and experienced. Lead by All-Ohio Freshman of the Year Claire Lamb, the team brings back a bunch of talented runners, including the OAC track and field champion in the steeplechase, Heather Sandvik, who transferred to Otterbein last winter. The team has the chance to make a positive experience and generate another successful season for the Cardinals.
Men’s cross country
Led by three of their seven best runners from last year, the men's cross country team is ready to impact the OAC. Ian Kellogg, Cameron Posner and Trevor Dilley are extremely important upperclassmen who will help a talented group of incoming freshmen adapt to the new environment. Head coach Dara Ford is excited about the depth of the squad and looking forward to another great season.
Women’s volleyball
After a disappointing season (14-18), Otterbein’s women’s volleyball team looks to bounce back. Head Coach Monica Wright is positive that the team has the talent and competitiveness to get where the Cardinals were from 2009-2013 (129-38). Junior middle hitter Morgan Lowenkamp and sophomore setter Andrea Miller had a great season last year and need to maintain their performance to give the Cardinals a chance for a successful season. Returning starter Marie Thornton adds flexibility at the net, and sophomore Sam Hurdzan can build on the valuable experience she could make as a freshman. All in all, the team is in a great position to make an impact in the OAC.
Men’s soccer
The Otterbein Cardinals’ men’s soccer team already started the season with a home loss of 2-0 against Kenyon, which is the No. 8 team in the nation. This should not lower the expectations for the season considering this is one of the toughest opponents the Cards will see all season.
After an 8-7-3 season, Head Coach Gerry D’Arcy brings back 19 players, including seven starters. Two of their three best scorers need to be replaced, but the incoming freshman class will be able to contribute right away. Junior Jaden Lunger and sophomore Erick Juarez-Manning, both All-OAC selections, are extremely important for the Cardinals’ success. Although this year’s squad needs someone to step up, the hopes are high to improve on the 2015 finish. The OAC schedule will begin October 1 with an important rivalry game against Capital.
