Sports
Ohio Field Hockey Hosts Two MAC Home Games
By: Connor Martin
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On Sunday the Bobcats clawed their way to victory over the Michigan State Spartans, a non-conference win over a Big Ten school that propelled the ‘Cats to a 6-6 record and seated them second in the Mid-American Conference behind longtime rival, Miami.
Ohio looks to close the gap, claim that top spot and overtake the Redhawks who currently sit at 9-6 and 3-0 in conference play. To catch up to Miami, Ohio will need to take care of business over the weekend, as it hosts two MAC opponents.
The first team the ‘Cats are looking to take a bite out of are the Ball State Cardinals (2-12, 0-2). It will be the second matchup between these schools this year. Ohio kept the Cardinals grounded on its way to a 4-2 victory in the first meeting.
“Last time they packed the mid-field and allowed us some space on the outside, which I thought we did a fair job of executing last time,” said coach Neil Macmillian. “So we’ve just got to be a little bit more alert this time as I’m sure they will be slightly different.”
With Ohio already scoring 28 goals this season compared to its total of 20 last year, the offense is looking good. The Cardinals defense will have their hands full trying to contain this explosive Ohio offense if they want to tally their first conference win of the season.
The match is set to start at 7 p.m. on Friday and will serve as a Bobcat Blackout.
Whether they win or lose against Ball State, the Bobcats will be hungry for more when they take on the Longwood Lancers (4-8, 2-2).
It will be just the second meeting between the two schools.
“I don’t think you can look at records when it comes to a MAC game,” Macmillan said. “Last year, we went to a shootout with them.” MacMillian about their upcoming opponent.
The Bobcats will be leaning on Maria Russell and Lina Trucco to help push them the pacst Lancers. Russell leads the MAC with 0.75 goals a game while Trucco has accumulated a .658 save percentage, which ranks her second in the MAC.
The game will be played on Pruitt field on Sunday at noon.