Ohio players kicked off their practice in fine fashion Wednesday, donning wacky shorts to lighten the mood.
The flashy colors weren’t an indicator that Ohio was taking the day lightly, though. The team has an all-business attitude heading into the weekend, when it will attempt to protect their two-game winning streak at Chessa Field.
This weekend will be Ohio’s first true home stand of the year, when they square off against Niagara and Cleveland State.
Ohio coach Stacy Strauss said the team is looking forward to playing again at home with a winning streak on the line.
“I think we’ve improved in several aspects this year,” she said. “We’re looking forward to getting back on the field, especially playing at home.”
Friday will be Ohio’s first-ever meeting with Niagara in a battle between the Mid-American Conference and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference’s Purple Eagles. The Purple Eagles are coming off a road win against Buffalo Sunday.
Ohio will face a more familiar opponent Sunday when they play Cleveland State. Last year, Ohio fell to the Vikings 3-0 on the road, but has a winning record against them at Chessa Field.
Cleveland State is on a two-game slide and will face Akron Friday before traveling to Athens.
Ohio will be the Vikings’ fourth and final taste of MAC competition this season. They fell to Kent State and beat Bowling Green earlier this season.
Strauss said this home stand, which ends next Friday against Youngstown State, is important for the team to set the tone before MAC play begins that weekend.
“When I set the schedule, I envisioned going into MAC play with some confidence and some wins under our belt,” Strauss said. “I think it’s important that we take care of business and play the way we’re capable of in these next three games to ensure that that happens.”
Ohio senior forward Cat Rogers said as the season has progressed, players are getting more used to one another and their positions, increasing chemistry each game. She credited the efforts of the back line as contributors to the success.
BOB:
Ohio is on a two-game winning streak.
The Bobcats have not conceded a goal in 225 minutes.
This will be Ohio’s first true home stand of the season.
Ohio vs. Niagara; 4 p.m. Friday at Chessa Field
Ohio vs. Cleveland State; 1 p.m. Sunday at Chessa Field
mk277809@ohiou.edu
