Sports
Ohio Field Hockey: Bobcats Win Third Straight Over Central Michigan
By: Brandon Monty
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The Ohio Field Hockey team continued their winning ways Sunday afternoon with a decisive victory over conference rival Central Michigan (1-11,0-2). The Bobcats moved to an even 4-4 (2-0) on the 2018 campaign with a 3-1 victory at Pruitt Field, where they are 4-1 on the year.
Despite the score being separated by just two goals, the Bobcats dominated both sides of the ball for most of this contest. Offensively, Ohio was extremely efficient in moving the ball, as they picked apart the Chippewa defense with crisp, accurate passes that led to a plethora of shot opportunities throughout the first half.
The Bobcats outshot the Chippewas 14-1 in the first half, with Jillian Shive and Karynne Baker each tacking on goals to give the Bobcats a 2-0 lead into the half. That would be all the offense the Bobcats would need.
Despite a 65th minute goal from the Chippewas’ Callie Quinn, the Bobcats would respond immediately with a goal of their own from defender Leah Warren with four minutes left in the contest. Warren’s first career goal would put the icing on the cake for the Bobcats, as they end their three-game home stretch undefeated.
For Ohio, their defensive dominance was once again on display, as the Chippewas were unable to gain any type of momentum on the offensive end until it was too late. The Bobcats had just about every Central Michigan attack snuffed out from the get-go and used their stifling defense to create opportunities on offense. In this three-game home-stand, the Bobcats surrendered just one goal, and have only allowed two goals in their four victories so far this season.
Despite their defensive supremacy, head coach Ali Johnstone was reassuring in the fact that it is an all-around effort from the entire team.
“There’s an old saying that forwards win games and defense wins championships. As long as the defense is solid then it gives the forwards a chance to breathe and build confidence. We’ve got forwards, backs and mids that are all working very hard this year, sticking to the game plan and staying composed.”
The Bobcats begin a four-game stretch away from Pruitt Field next Sunday when they travel to Drexel and won’t be back home until October 19th where they will welcome Kent State to Athens. Despite their early season struggles on the road (0-3), coach Johnstone is confident in her team’s abilities heading into the road trip.
“We’ve been spoiled with a lot of home games thus far, and Pruitt has definitely been a big advantage for us. We’re going to be tested against tough teams, but we’re looking forward to it and looking forward to this trip.”