Sports
Ohio Field Hockey: Appalachian State and Davidson Preview
By: Jerry Kirven
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After four consecutive home games, Ohio field hockey hits the road to North Carolina this weekend to battle Appalachian State Friday and Davidson Sunday.
Appalachian State ( 2-4 0-2 MAC) are looking to bounce back after falling to Miami (Ohio) last Sunday 6-2. They are led by Midfielders Meghan Smart and Taylor Cimbalist. The Mountaineers are dangerous on the offensive but they do have one weakness: goalkeeping. The Mountaineers have given up a whopping average of 5.8 goals a game. Coach MacMillan has stated ASU’s game against Miami “showed {him} their fatal flaw.” If the Bobcats can capitalize on the Mountaineers horrendous defense, they will be able to kiss their losing streak goodbye.
Davidson (0-6, 0-2 MAC ) enters the weekend still in search for their first victory and recovering the 10-0 beatdown they received from the North Carolina Tar-Heels. However, don’t let that loss deceive you; unlike the Mountaineers, the Wildcats strength is their goalkeeping, ranking top 20 in the nation in saves per game with 7.0. This may be one of the few games this season that the Bobcats are favorited but Coach knows, “a team searching for their first win can be dangerous.”
Ohio lost a practice this week so they could travel to Carolina but they will be ready for the challenge that awaits them. Alex Pennington and her 33 saves look to shut down the Mountaineers and Wildcats and Kendall Ballard looks to increase her five goals this season. The trip is long but the team will have plenty to do according to coach, “they’ve bought in to watching film and they are improving…I look forward to seeing them succeed.”