The Ohio women's field hockey team could not accomplish anything in regulation against No. 20 California and Southwest Missouri State this weekend, as both teams topped the Bobcats 4-3 in overtime.
We definitely came into this weekend looking for wins
coach Shelly Morris said. We were looking to get back to .500. They would be good games but games we could have definitely come away with wins from. It was a little disappointing it didn't happen.
Unfortunately for the Bobcats (1-5), Saturday's overtime against California was the first of this season for Ohio, who has struggled with close games thus far.
The Golden Bears (6-2) took an early lead almost 18 minutes into the game but were answered five minutes later with an unassisted tally from midfielder Kristen Hann.
With California leading 2-1 at the break, Ohio struck first in the second half as freshman forward Torrie Albini scored her first collegiate goal to knot the score with 22 minutes left.
We really didn't show up until the second half Morris said. We still are looking for a way to come out hard and play for 70 minutes.
The Golden Bears would strike again with 10 minutes remaining, but again, the Bobcats answered when junior forward Taylor Edwards scored her first collegiate goal with only two minutes left. All three Ohio goals came off penalty corners.
Excitement was short-lived, though, as California would put an end to Ohio's hopes 8:55 into overtime.
We fought hard at the end
but we didn't make it happen when it should have: at the beginning
Morris said.
Goalkeeper Jennifer Cote recorded 13 saves during the loss, an effort that tied her career-high for saves in a game. It is the second time this season Cote has made 13 saves, the first coming against William & Mary in the season opener.
The defense has been doing an excellent job
Cote said. We've had some breakdowns
but overall communication has been good
and they've been stepping in front of the ball and making some great tackles.
Things did not improve the next day, as the Bobcats found themselves down 3-1 at the break against Southwest Missouri State (3-3).
We started off strong with the first goal and then kind of let up a little bit
said midfielder Erica Bundalo. We let them come back on us and then we were playing catch up.
Goals from Bundalo -her first collegiate tally -and senior forward Chelsea Mearig, tied the contest with less than nine minutes remaining in the game, again forcing extra time.
With only minutes remaining in the extra period, the Bears slipped one past Cote to take the 4-3 win, and hand Ohio its second overtime loss in as many games. The Bears outshot the Bobcats, 24-23.
We had some breakdowns at key points of the game that we shouldn't have
and (they) cost us
Morris said.
The Bobcats will look to rebound from its tough weekend with a game 3 p.m. Friday against Iowa and another at noon Saturday against New Hampshire. Both games will be played at Iowa's Memorial Field.
