Freshmen are not generally expected to make a huge impact early in their first season. However, after leading the Ohio offense to two solid wins last weekend, Rachelle Coetzee has quashed that stereotype.
The midfielder has teamed up with fellow first-year players Estienne Coetzee - her twin sister - and Nikki Gnozzio to comprise a freshman class that has provided an immediate impact for the Bobcat field hockey squad.
As a coach
you have to be very happy when the freshmen are producing for you. It's a real luxury to have that kind of production from a freshman class coach Neil Macmillan said. Rachelle's undoubtedly very skilled and she knows the game.
Coetzee's production this past weekend helped the Bobcats get off to a 2-0 start in the Mid-American Conference. She provided an assist in the second half of Ohio's 5-1 victory at Ball State as well as one goal and three assists in their 4-2 win over Miami. Her numbers not only led to her being named MAC Offensive Player of the Week but also garnered countrywide attention, earning her the title of National Rookie of the Week.
Although the awards may be nice, Coetzee does not have time to dwell on them as the field hockey team travels to Columbus to face the No. 10 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes at 3 p.m. today.
Ohio is 0-3 against top-20 teams this season but looks to change that against a quality Ohio State squad that has won seven straight.
As easy as one, two, three
Being recognized for her defensive efforts is nothing new this season for goalkeeper Jennifer Cote. The leader of Ohio's defense joined Rachelle Coetzee in receiving conference honors this week, winning MAC Defensive Player of the Week for the third time in just five opportunities this season.
Cote directed a defense that gave up just three goals over the weekend in Ohio's first MAC action of the year. She made sixteen saves over the two-game span, recording nine stops at Ball State and seven against Miami.
This past weekend was great especially against Ball State. (Cote) came up with some big saves to maintain our lead. On Saturday she played pretty stoutly back there and we played some good
aggressive defense
which is what we want to see
Macmillan said.
- Joe Rudemiller
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Joe Rudemiller
