Ohio aims to end losing streak

by Tim Pappa
THE POST

The Ohio field hockey team is on the prowl to lash out after being ruffled four times by nationally ranked predators.

The Bobcats (0-4) are looking to rebound, but the road does not get any easier with nationally ranked opponents Delaware and Syracuse on the schedule this week.

"It's been frustrating losing, but on the side, the experience of competing against three of the top final four teams from last year has been priceless," midfielder Courtney Foster said. "We're hanging in and playing with the best teams in the country."

After finishing 13-9 overall and 7-3 in the Mid-American Conference last season, the Bobcats faced a formidable first few games this season.

"Any given day anything can happen," coach Shelly Morris said. "Before the season started, I was pretty positive with what we could have. Realistically, I was looking for us to be 2-2 by now, "

Forward Amanda Eaby has been equally taken back by the reality of college athletics.

"It's been a huge step coming from playing mediocre players to competing against collegiate athletes," Eaby said. "I'm just this little girl who's getting thrown around."

Eaby and her teammates have responded and are ready to grab their first win of the season, she said.

"We're still confident, and we're still fighting," she said. "We're sick of losing. These past four games have been a great lesson. We've found out how deep we can dig and how much heart we have."

Morris said despite the four losses Ohio’s defense has been tough.

"The defense is playing and moving well and strong," she said. "It doesn't show that when it lets in 21 goals in just four games, but they're doing good back there. (Goalkeeper) Tara Elliot has seen everything she's going to see at this point. In four games, she already has a season of experience."

Facing off at home this weekend, the Bobcats are looking to use their sharpened claws against Delaware and Syracuse, both in the top 20 NFHCA/STX poll.

"They're both good teams. They'll have weaknesses just like us, so we'll just need to exploit theirs and come out hard, " Morris said.

"Without a doubt this experience is going to help. Play the best, and you'll be the best. It’s a challenge but a good challenge."