Bobcats lose to Rams, Bulldogs

by Lonnie McMillan
Staff Writer

The Ohio women's soccer team's offense struggled again and the Bobcats' losing streak hit three games.

Ohio (0-3) lost to the Rhode Island Rams on Friday and then to the Yale Bulldogs Sunday, both by scores of 3-1.

In the first game on the east coast swing, Rhode Island (2-1) extended its home-winning streak to 12 games.

The Rams struck first in the 37^th minute when back Lauren Melofchik put the ball in the right corner of the goal on a pass from forward Sarah Johnston.

In the second half, midfielder Catherine Zanni scored on a cross-pass from forward Shannon Kittelson in the 54^th minute to push the lead to 2-0. An unassisted goal by Johnston in the 73^rd minute closed out the scoring for Rhode Island.

The Bobcats scored their lone goal in the 76^th minute. Forward Jen Barber found forward Christel Schiering streaking down the left side of the field for the goal.

The Ohio offense tested Rhode Island goalkeeper Jamie Epperlein with only two shots-on-goal.

In the second game, the Bobcats fell prey to Yale by falling into a 3-0 hole.

Midfielder Sara Ruiz scored in the first half, assisted by midfielder Ali Cobbett. Then Cobbett struck for two goals of her own, the first on a first half penalty kick and then on an unassisted goal in the second half.

Ohio put its second goal of the season on the board in the 72^nd minute. Midfielder Rachael Najjar scored her 12^th career goal to move into third place on the all-time Ohio scoring list. Midfielder Abby Leopold assisted on the goal.

Ohio opens its Mid-American Conference schedule Sept. 14 at Eastern Michigan and plays its first home game against Louisville Sept. 16.