The last time Ohio faced Richmond, the Spiders put an abrupt halt to the Bobcats' run to the NCAA Tournament. The Bobcats will look for a more favorable ending when the teams meet again Sunday.
Last November, Richmond ended Ohio's season in an NCAA play-in game. Coming off their third Mid-American Conference title in four years, the Bobcats fell, 2-1, to the Spiders at Pruitt Field.
I think the team as a whole looks at that game as a premature end to our season last year
coach Neil Macmillan said. I think a few of (the players) have that in the back of their minds.
One of those players is senior Courtney Seiders. Heading into a weekend that starts with a home match against Robert Morris today, the goalkeeper said she will have extra motivation Sunday against Richmond.
I think being smart against Robert Morris (will be important) Seiders said. And then going down to Richmond we have a score to settle there.
Macmillan said the team has not prepared any differently for the Spiders than for the Colonials.
While there might be a thought of a chance to get back at (Richmond)
I don't really think it's a significant thought in (the players') minds
he said.
In the latest version of the Kookaburra/National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division I Coaches Poll, the Bobcats received nine votes and the Spiders garnered one.
Both Macmillan and Seiders said the Bobcats need to continue to play as well as they did Saturday against Indiana to beat Richmond
I think we just were aggressive (on Saturday)
Seiders said. (We were) making tackles outside of the circle. We're good enough to do that.
Seiders, whose nine saves against the Hoosiers led to her being nominated for MAC Defensive Player of the Week, said the backfield must stop the ball earlier so that saves are not necessary.
Seiders jokingly added that the defense would be doing a good enough job when she can sit down in a lawn chair in front of the goal.
Brown wins weekly award
Sophomore Taylor Brown was named the MAC Offensive Player of the Week by the league office on Wednesday.
Brown, who leads Ohio with six goals, scored two last weekend against California and Indiana. Her goal against the Hoosiers was the game-winner.
I'm super excited about it
Brown said. That's such a huge accomplishment
especially as a sophomore. I didn't really expect it.
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