Bobcats bounce back

by Eric Pfahler
Staff Writer

The Ohio field hockey team beat Southwest Missouri State 2-1 yesterday afternoon, but the game was about as one-sided as a dunking contest between Ohio forward Brandon Hunter and famed Austin Power's character Mini-Me.

The Bobcats (4-1) established the tempo early and pelted Bears' goalie Jessie Lininger with 13 shots, while allowing Southwest Missouri State (1-5) only four.

Ohio goalkeeper Tara Elliott said the win was a crucial step for the Bobcats, especially after the harsh loss Virginia handed Ohio on Saturday.

"It was definitely a step up from last year," she said. "The loss two days ago was hard. It was a really mental game. But it means we're ready to take the next challenge. We can't have the losses pull us down."

Bobcat forward Liz Holtzman opened the scoring 10 minutes into the game when she scooped the ball into the net during a scramble resulting from one of Ohio's 16 penalty corners.

The Bears answered late in the first half on an unassisted goal by forward Leah Postorino.

Ohio controlled the midfield throughout the entire game. The Bobcats only allowed Southwest Missouri State to create sporadic, limited opportunities in Bobcat territory, which were often met by a wave of Ohio defenders.

The Bobcats got the go-ahead goal when Kristen Hann ripped a shot after collecting a pass from midfielder Andrea Voros early in the second half.

Ohio midfielder Lauren Mazziotto said scoring just two goals was unnerving, but the team did a good job of staying focused.

"It's a little frustrating, but I think everyone kept their heads held high," Mazziotto said.

Unlike the Virginia game, Ohio did not turn defensive after taking the lead. The Bobcats continued to pepper Lininger with shots and remained aggressive on the offensive end.

The defense was strong throughout the entire game as well, rarely allowing the Bears to reach the penalty circle.

Ohio coach Shelly Morris said the Bears' defense was very tough within the circle, but the Bobcats did an outstanding job of controlling the tempo.

"I felt that Southwest Missouri did a really good job defensively, and it was kind of throwing us off," Morris said. "But we kept plugging, and we kept pushing, and that's important."

Ohio's next game is at 1 p.m. Saturday when the Bobcats open their East Coast trip at Delaware.