If there were a silver lining to the decidedly grey clouds hanging over Athens this weekend, it was the return of Bobcats catcher and utility player Lauren Gellerman.
Against Eastern Michigan Saturday, the sophomore went 2-for-2 and her two-run, opposite field single in the fifth inning proved to be the game-winning hit. It was Gellerman’s first game back since suffering a knee injury against Long Beach State during spring break.
Hermanek said that, although the San Diego native still isn’t fully up to speed running, her bat might be too valuable to keep out of the lineup this weekend against Buffalo.
“We’re taking her day-by-day – giving her some reps and giving her the chance to keep her rehab going,” Hermanek said. “Physically and mentally, she’s ready for it. It’s just a matter of picking and choosing the best time for her.”
THE COACHING CAPTAIN
Ohio’s 4-2 loss to Western Michigan in game two of a rain-soaked doubleheader hurt the Bobcats in more ways than one.
Not only did the Bobcats surrender a three-run lead in the top of the seventh, but they also lost starting catcher Jordan Paden to a hand injury.
Paden was hit in the throwing hand by a pitch in the bottom of the second and did not return to the game. She did not dress for either of Ohio’s games against Eastern Michigan and didn’t practice on Tuesday.
Freshman Alexandria Basquez has filled in behind the plate in Paden’s absence.
Hermanek said the senior is listed as day-to-day, but she is still making her presence felt off the field.
“She’s a very good educator of the sport and a very good teacher of the position,” Hermanek said. “She’s really stepping in for us there and helping these kids perform.”
SHOWERS DAMPEN FINAL HOME GAME
April showers have brought nothing but headaches for Ohio coach Jodi Hermanek.
The Bobcats have had five of their past 19 games cancelled because of the weather and have waited through hours of rain delays in the games they have gotten in.
The rain played a role in all four of Ohio’s games scheduled for last weekend and washed out the Bobcats’ home finale on Sunday. Mid-American Conference rules don’t allow for conference games to be rescheduled, so Hermanek is attempting to address the issue herself.
She said she might bring the issue up during the MAC Softball coaches’ conference in the fall.
“It’s frustrating because it’s something you can’t control, but at the same time it’s something that means a lot to our season,” Hermanek said. “With only two weeks left in our season, we can only get so much softball in.”
In the meantime, she said she is attempting to schedule a pair of games for next week, tentatively Wednesday, May 4, against Youngstown State.
bl245106@ohiou.edu
@ThePostSports
