WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Westminster College women's basketball team fell to non-conference opponent Otterbein University, 68-40, on the road in day one of the Smokey Ballenger Classic, hosted by Otterbein, Saturday afternoon.
 
Otterbein improved to 5-5 overall on the year, while the Titans fell to 4-7.
 
The Cardinals opened the first six minutes of the contest leading 12-1. Otterbein led, 16-9, at the end of the first quarter. The Titans cut the Cardinals lead to six points (19-13) after a pair of free throws from junior Aliya Gage (New Castle, PA / Mohawk) at the 6:10 mark of the second. Otterbein orchestrated an 8-0 run to lead, 27-13, with 3:15 left in the half. The Cardinals led 32-19 at halftime. At the end of the third quarter, Otterbein held a 50-32 advantage.
 
Junior Emily Fromknecht (Erie, PA / McDowell) led all Titans with 13 points and also tied a game-high with nine rebounds. Junior Francesca Sicari (Erie, PA / McDowell) tallied eight points while senior Jackie Mathews (Pittsburgh, PA / OLSH) recorded seven points and four boards. Sophomore Alazia Greaves (West Sunbury, PA / Moniteau) tied a game-high with four steals.
 
Otterbein outshot Westminster 41.0% (25-61) to 31.3% (15-48). The Cardinals also edged the Titans in total rebounds, 38-36.
 
Westminster concludes day two of the Smokey Ballenger Classic Sunday, December 30 against the University of Rochester. Start time is set for 1 p.m.