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[Darayus Sethna | WOUB]

Ohio Field Hockey closes out regular season strong with win over Central Michigan

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Pruitt Field was the site for Ohio Field Hockey’s final game of the 2024 regular season. University President Dr. Lori Gonzalez was in attendance for Senior Day, as Noa Desmaretz, Merle Kal, Meela Kopp, Bodhi Littlefield, and Macy Lotze were honored. After the pre-game festivities, it was time for the Bobcats to lock in on their opponent–the Central Michigan Chippewas. The Bobcats sent the Chippewas home and won their final game of the regular season, 3-2.

Despite their winless conference record heading into this afternoon’s contest, the visitors packed a punch.  The nip-and-tuck first half came to a climax in the second quarter when Desmaretz broke the deadlock for Ohio. Central Michigan responded less than a minute later when Mallory Camryn evened the score at a goal apiece. Bodhi Littlefield took advantage just a few minutes later off a penalty corner that gave the Bobcats the edge at the halftime break.  

Ohio’s Annie Ryan (#13) works up field in a game vs Penn State on Oct. 13. [HG Biggs | WOUB Public Media]
 The second half saw a similar story. Central Michigan kept its foot on the gas and those efforts paid off when Klara Mikulaskova drove the ball past Macy Lotze halfway through the third quarter to tie the game for a second time. Ohio was again looking for a boost, and they found it on another set piece.  

 Junior forward Sasha Dikotla found herself at the right place at the right time to slot the ball home. It was her fifth goal of the season – tying for the team high. More importantly, it gave Ohio their third lead in the match. 

 The defense was the name of the game in the final quarter. Meela Kopp commanded the Bobcats back line to fend off Central Michigan’s late rally. The final buzzer sounded and Ohio found itself on the right side of a 3-2 scoreline.  

 Ali Johnstone, who finished her seventh year as Ohio’s head coach, emphasized the strong work ethic of her team that allowed them to end the season on a strong note. 

 “They bring so much passion and effort every day at practice,” Johnstone noted after the game. “That’s what you [as a coach] ask for, and they showed it for sure.”  

 The Ohio Bobcats finished their regular season with a 7-10 overall record and a 3-5 finish in conference play.