Bobcats strive to be champions

by Eric Pfahler
Staff Writer

       The No. 10 Ohio field hockey team can capture first place in the Mid-American Conference if it defeats Central Michigan and Ball State this weekend.

            If the Bobcats (12-4, 7-1 MAC) win the regular season title, they would earn the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament.

            Ohio coach Shelly Morris said earning the top seed is her top priority.

            "I'd like to win a regular season championship as well," Morris said. "But I would really like to be seeded first in the tournament."

            The Bobcats are white-hot after a pair of wins last weekend. Ohio dismantled Miami 9-0 before defeating No. 14 Louisville 3-2 in overtime. Ohio also maintains a 6-1 record on the road heading into this weekend's competition.

            Central Michigan plays the role of spoiler against Ohio. The Bobcats defeated the Chippewas 4-0 at Peggy Pruitt Field Oct. 5.

            Ohio defensive back Brea Webster said the team's defense must limit opposing shots and scoring opportunities.

            "We don't want anybody to ruin it for us," Webster said. "So we have to stop outside the circle, deny them passes, corners and shots so they can't even get a chance to get into the game."

            The Bobcats then conclude the regular season against Ball State (5-10, 2-6 MAC). The Cardinals have lost three straight games, but in its last game the team played No. 9 Ohio State to a 2-2 tie in the first half before inclement weather forced them to postpone.

            Ball State gave Ohio a scare earlier this season when the Cardinals bounced back from a 4-1 deficit to score two quick goals, but Ball State could not overcome the Bobcats' defense in a 4-3 loss Oct. 6.

            Ohio goalkeeper Tara Elliott said the team wants to keep the momentum high heading into the MAC tournament.

            "Losses get you down, but winning keeps you up," Elliott said. "I think if we win these next two games it will carry a good vibe and keep pushing us forward."

            Ohio opens the weekend at 2 p.m. Friday at Central Michigan. The regular season concludes at 1 p.m. Saturday at Ball State.