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Ohio Field Hockey hosted the Davidson Wildcats. The Wildcats dominated possession in the first half and took a 2-0 lead. Ava Florence scored a late goal for the Bobcats, but it was not enough as Davidson won 2-1.

Ohio field hockey falls to Davidson at Pruitt Field

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) – A late goal was not enough as Ohio field hockey (2-3) fell to Davidson (4-3) 2-1 at Pruitt Field. 

The Bobcats entered the matchup looking to bounce back after a 6-1 loss to No. 7 Wake Forest last weekend. Davidson improved to 3-3 after defeating Longwood 5-0 on Sept. 11. 

Both teams came out with strong defense, as the Bobcats and Wildcats traded possession and limiting scoring opportunities early. With roughly two minutes remaining in the first quarter, Davidson’s Lourdes Wolf sent a shot wide right of the goal. Ohio responded with a transition opportunity, but Davidson goalkeeper Avery Foster stopped the Bobcats’ attempt. 

Ohio was later awarded a penalty shot, giving the Bobcats an opportunity to take an early lead. Marie De Grande’s attempt found the back of the net, but the goal was called back after a penalty, keeping the game scoreless. 

Ohio opened the second quarter with another shot on goal, but Foster turned the attempt away. Both teams continued to battle defensively as possessions routinely switched between the two sides of the field. Davidson’s Rebecca Bustos appeared to put the Wildcats ahead with a shot on goal, but the score was called back again following a review. 

The Wildcats continued to pressure Ohio, recording multiple shots on goal with roughly two and a half minutes remaining in the quarter. Ohio goalkeeper Molly Schreiner kept the Bobcats in the game, making several saves during the Davidson attack. Neither team was able to break through before halftime, sending the game into the break tied at zero.  

Davidson threatened early in the third quarter when Hallie Slidell sent a penalty shot wide left of the goal. The Wildcats broke through shortly afterward when Wolf scored an aggressive goal to give Davidson a 1-0 lead. This Davidson strike set the tone for the rest of the game, with Wolf colliding with multiple Ohio defenders, including goalkeeper Schreiner during the play. 

Davidson continued to pressure the Bobcats as Matilda Collins sent a shot wide right of the goal. After another penalty opportunity, Collins converted to extend the Wildcats’ lead to 2-0 midway through the third quarter. Ohio attempted to respond but was unable to find a way through the Davidson defense. The Bobcats entered the fourth quarter trailing 2-0. 

Ohio came out aggressively in the final quarter, controlling possession and as a result, they generated an early shot on goal. After a review, the Bobcats were awarded a penalty shot, but Davidson goalkeeper Avery Foster made the save to preserve the Wildcats’ two-goal advantage. Davidson regained possession for much of the remainder of the quarter, limiting Ohio’s opportunities to mount a comeback. 

The Bobcats kept pushing into Davidson territory and earned another penalty shot with roughly two minutes remaining. Ohio’s Ava Florence entered the ball to Deborah James, who passed it back to Florence. She then scored from the left side of the goal to cut Davidson’s lead to one. 

Ohio had one final opportunity in the closing minute, driving into Davidson territory, but the Wildcats’ defense stopped the Bobcats from finding an equalizer. 

Ohio fell to Davidson 2-1 at Pruitt Field and will travel to play UMass in their next game on Sept. 18th. The Wildcats will continue their away trip as they play Richmond at 5 p.m. also on Sept. 18th.