TIFFIN -- The Heidelberg University Men's Lacrosse team dropped their Ohio Athletic Conference opener, falling to Otterbein. The Cardinals used a second half surge to pull away, 17-3.  

Both teams moved to 4-4 on the year.  

Otterbein broke a scoreless tie with a goal midway through the first. Kaivin Jones answered for Heidelberg less than three minutes later. The Cardinals added a goal in the final minute of the frame and led, 2-1, after one. 

A man-down goal for Otterbein gave the visitors a 3-1 lead in the middle of the second.  Once again, however, HU responded. Mario Manzardo used a pass from Dusty Bernard and scored with 3:13 left.  The Cardinals changed the complexion of the game with three goals in the final 2:36.  

Otterbein took total control with three more goals in the first two minutes of the third. The trio of tallies came as part of a 12-0 run that resulted in a 15-2 lead for Otterbein. Rayce Septer ended the drought with a goal, also assisted by Bernard, at the 10:11 mark of the fourth.  

Wilson Runnette made 12 saves in the loss.  

Heidelberg is back in action on Wednesday at Baldwin Wallace.