Katherine Ballard has turned into one of coach Neil Macmillan's best scoring threats this season.
The junior has started every game this year and leads the team in shots (25) and goals (3). She has become a staple in the Bobcats' offense after only being a role player last season, during which she played in 19 games and only started in nine.
She's really taken that left mid role and done well with the awareness that comes with it
Macmillan said. She's also really helped us on attack and on corners.
Also stepping it up this season for the Ohio defense is Brittany Zorn, who made 17 appearances last season but didn't start a game.
This season, she has started every game and made the team's only two defensive saves. She also has three assists.
She has one of the hardest hits (of the ball) on the team Macmillan said. A lot of the opposing attackers are shy when she hits it out of the backfield.
Seiders plays well in goal
Although the Bobcats lost 3-2, they did receive a good performance in goal from goalie Courtney Seiders.
The junior made 11 saves, and stopped Missouri State as much as she could in overtime before the Bears scored. Seiders stopped five shots in the first 12 minutes of overtime before one slipped passed.
She played very aggressively and she came out of goal when she needed to Macmillan said. I think she's just developing into a goalkeeper I knew she could be.
Seiders seems to be Macmillan's first pick in big games. When the team faces two games in a weekend, Seiders usually gets the call against the tougher opponent of the two.
Offense finding rhythm
Ohio has found its rhythm in the last few weeks.
After averaging only six shots per game in their first six contests, Ohio has had a combined 46 shots in its last two contests.
The offense came alive against Robert Morris, firing 34 shots, 23 on goal. Ohio won the game 3-2. Last weekend against Missouri State, the team had its second-highest total of the year with 12.
I really think a big thing is the nature of the opponent
Macmillan said. It was hard to generate shots against our early ranked opponents.
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Will Frasure
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Marcy Dull moves the ball up the field during the game against Michigan State Sept. 6 at Pruitt Field . Ohio lost to the Spartans 5-2. (Mike Henry | Picture Editor)
