Having completed their first tournament of the season, the Bobcats are off to a quick start and ready to get back onto the field again this weekend in the Hampton Inn Invitational.
Ohio (3-1) played well for its first time on the dirt last weekend at the USC Upstate Classic, winning its first three games before dropping the fourth Sunday to the tournament host.
“We only had two days of practice this week because of travel days, but we focused a lot on hitting,” Ohio coach Jodi Hermanek said. “The competition this weekend will be much tougher than last weekend, but we are hoping to win and also be much more aggressive at the plate under pressure.”
Leading the Bobcats will be freshman pitcher Lauren McClary, who was named the Mid-American Conference East Division Pitcher of the Week for her performances last weekend.
McClary earned a 2-1 record accompanied with 25 strikeouts and a 2.10 ERA, as she appeared in the center of the dirt in all four games the Bobcats competed in.
On offense, Hermanek is hopeful that the same production will continue against what she says will be much tougher competition this weekend. At the USC Upstate Classic, the Bobcats outscored their opponents 37-15.
"Everyone is going to get their opportunities this weekend and will continue as we go through the pre-conference schedule,” Hermanek said. “I would really like to put people in roles they’re best suited for to find out our identity as a team.”
The Hampton Inn Invitational begins Friday afternoon and will continue until Saturday night. Bobcats will play games against St. Joseph’s and Campbell Friday and return to the diamond Saturday to face Robert Morris and Towson.
The Bobcats will be the first opponent of the season for Towson, Robert Morris and St. Joseph’s, which is coming off a successful 2011 season. Campbell (1-3) is the only other team in the tournament who has already competed this season.
cl027410@ohio.edu
Up Next:
Hampton Inn Invitational
Friday
OHIO vs. St. Joseph’s
OHIO vs. Campbell
Saturday
OHIO vs. Robert Morris
OHIO vs. Towson
Buies Creek, NC
