Sports
Injury Plagued Bobcats Aim To Bounce Back Against Falcons
By: Abbey Carnivale
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After a devastating loss in the final events against Akron on Jan. 25, the Bobcats look to regroup and fill the open holes in their roster against Bowling Green on Jan. 31.
Much like the ‘Cats last competition, BGSU has had their last two matchups come down to the wire in the 200-yard freestyle relay. Contrary to Ohio’s result, the Falcons were able to run away with the victory against both Toledo and Michigan State.
“It’s going to be an exciting meet,” interim head coach Derick Roe said. “Once again, it’s going to be one of those meets that comes right down to the wire.”
Roe states the blow Ohio’s competition took as Tori Bagan was unable to compete in four events last week, and the crucial end of the meet as Rachel Stearns had to sit out the 200 IM relay.
Along with BGSU’s ability to stay strong for the duration of the competition, the holes now plaguing Ohio’s roster will require an “all hands on deck” mentality going into the matchup.
“We’re really making sure that everyone is a prepared as possible,” Roe said. “We could lose someone for the rest of the competition so everyone needs to be ready to be that next person up to step up and fill the shoes.”
To fill in the spots left open, interim head coach Derick Roe is looking toward Sara Sams and Hannah Shinn, both breaststrokers and freshmen.
Roe said that he is expecting them to “step up and fill the role that Tori is leaving us in the breaststroke events as well as the relay.”
To ensure that there aren’t any repeats of their last competition, Roe has put the athletes through a training schedule this week to make sure everyone is prepared to do anything at anytime. They’ve even changed the mentality in this week’s practices, focusing on bringing out a more competitive edge. Roe said that he wants to “get to where we will always win the close races coming right down to the finish.”
The improved mentality and initiative by the swimmers is the best Ohio can to do to combat this tough Brown and Orange squad.
“You know, Bowling Green, they’re great competitors and they’re swimming unbelievably well right now, so I know they’re going to come in and they’ll be ready for us,” Roe said.
The Bobcats and Falcons kick off action from Ohio’s Aquatic Center on Jan. 31 at 5 p.m. for the beginning of a competition-filled weekend.