The early softball season is never kind to Ohio.
With the cold weather in Athens, the Bobcats are forced to travel for the first month and a half.
All the travel is definitely challenging
said coach Jodi Hermanek. It's tough to balance the athletics and academics for these girls with all the time we have to spend on the road.
On top of the hours of travel, the Bobcats don't get the experience of playing at home until they take on Wright State on March 25.
The travel has its benefits Hermanek said. But I would always rather play in our own place.
Besides the chance to visit some nice weather areas, all the hours on the road allow the team to bond. This is especially important for Hermanek, who is entering her first season as Ohio's coach.
All the travel definitely helps get to know each other as a team better Emily Wethington said. We usually have different roommates on every trip
so it gives us a chance to get to know girls we wouldn't otherwise get close to.
The travel may be tedious for the Bobcats now, but all the hours on the road should make late-season travel that much easier.
Hermanek said it is realistic for Ohio (5-6) to have a chance at winning the MAC championship and go to the NCAA tournament, which requires a good amount of traveling.
She also said the experience they gain on the road will help when they have to visit other MAC schools.
I'd say it doesn't really hurt our play
sophomore Melissa Bonner said.
Once we're on the field
it doesn't hurt us since after all the time of travel
we are finally on the field doing what we love.
2
Sports
Will Frasure
