Ohio opened its homestand in fine fashion Friday, defeating Niagara 1-0.
The win not only gave Ohio its third win in a row, but its third straight shutout, as well. Going into the game, the Bobcats had not won three straight since 2006.
Senior midfielder Cat Rogers, who iced the win in the second half with a free kick goal, said the energy in Ohio’s locker room is contagious.
“I think we have a lot of upbeat positivity going on right now,” she said. “Three wins now is huge for us, and I think we need to try to get on a roll and keep pushing with momentum.”
Ohio controlled possession for the majority of the game, and was led in the first half by freshman forward Holly Harris, who finished the game with three shots on goal, and freshman midfielder Lauren Haley.
Ohio coach Stacy Strauss said the Bobcats benefitted from a lot of new contributors Friday, which bodes well for multiple-game weekends.
“Its good to be able to use lots of different players,” she said. “I think it’s going to keep opposing defenses struggling because when we go to the bench we’re as good or better (as them.)”
Ohio’s defense was stout once again, keeping the ball away from junior keeper Mattie Liston, who was had to make only three saves in the game.
Strauss was pleased with the offense but said it needs to convert its chances more efficiently.
“It was good to see a lot of shots but we were disappointed with the final score,” Strauss said. When we had that many chances, so we just need to be more proficient at finishing them.”
Ohio ended the match outshooting the Purple Eagles 24-10.
Harris said Ohio to be more consistent with putting away chances when given the opportunity.
“It’s really awesome that we all had the opportunities that we did,” she said. “We just need to finish them during the game, not just on set pieces.”
She said the Bobcats’ winning streak has given the team momentum in preparation for Sunday.
“We had a rough start to the season,” Harris said. “This definitely has given us a lot of confidence so hopefully we can stay with it and get a good win on Sunday.”
The Bobcats will return to the pitch Sunday when they take on Cleveland State at 1:00 p.m.
