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Ohio head coach Sameka Randall talks to the team during a time out during last nights game at the Convo. Ohio lost to Bowling Green 54-66.

Despite young team, 'Cats optimistic with new season

With the dawn of November, it’s once again time to hit the hardwood.

The Ohio women’s basketball team starts its season today with an exhibition game against Ohio Valley.

The Bobcats are looking to improve on their 9-22 record last year that ended with a trip to the Mid-American Conference quarterfinals, where they fell to Bowling Green, 66-57.

The team will have to overcome losing two seniors. Just like last year, the Bobcats will have a relatively young squad this season. Coach Semeka Randall said her upperclassmen are vital to a successful season with a new crop of talent.

“From our vets, looking for that leadership to step up when we get into those spots where we are struggling, their voice matters the most because they have been there before, and they have done it,” Randall said.

With a team chock full of youth, Randall said she wants to take it one day at a time, while playing hard every possession.

The team will play two exhibition games this season to give the players extra time on the floor before the regular season begins. Randal said she is emphasizing dedication to the team and going all out on the floor.

Ohio welcomes five freshmen and a junior college transfer to the program. Tenishia Benson is the team’s lone senior. Benson was the leading scorer for the Bobcats last season, averaging 13.6 points per game.

Ohio will also rely on sophomore Shavon Robinson this year. She averaged 8.6 points per game as a freshman last season.

“You find out who can handle when we have to make adjustments,” Randall said about the purpose of exhibition games.

“It’s one of those things where you’ve got to throw (the freshmen) in the fire at some point, and they’ve got to figure it out.”

Randall said she is excited to see the Bobcats in action and cannot wait for the season even though she said there would be some rollercoaster moments with fresh faces.

“I’m intrigued to see how this team does their first exhibition game,” she said. “I think there’s definitely going to be some nerves, some jitteriness by the players, but hopefully we get an opportunity to settle into things and see how flow works.”

mk277809@ohiou.edu

 

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