Missouri State hasn’t provided Ohio with much of an opposition in past seasons, as the Bears historically occupy the Mid-American Conference cellar.
But this year, Missouri State sits ahead of Ohio in the conference standings and could give the Bobcats a bear of a time Saturday at Pruitt Field.
Ohio coach Neil Macmillan said the Bobcats should to be wary of their opponent, as the Bears (4-8, 2-1 MAC) lead the Bobcats (7-6, 1-1 MAC) in conference play. Falling to 1-2 in conference would put Ohio behind in qualifying for the MAC tournament, which only takes the top four teams.
“They’re above us in the standings, so we need to take care of business,” Macmillan said. “They’re a tough and scrappy team. And they are usually well-drilled.”
Because of that scrappiness, Macmillan wants nothing to do with a close game when the second half rolls around.
“Missouri State is not a team you want to get into a battle with because they fight,” he said. “If you can take care of them early, then you’re in good shape. But we can’t expect that. They’re certainly a better team this year than they have been in the past.”
Junior Hillary Lawless, one of only three Missouri State players to start all 12 of the team’s games this season, has been a star for the Bears, leading them with seven goals.
If Ohio takes advantage of opportune ball movement, Macmillan said it will have no problem dealing with the Bears. However, he said that he wouldn’t be at all surprised to see a close contest.
“(The Bears are) the type of team that’s going to keep pressing and fighting,” Macmillan said. “With their two or three really skilled players, they’re going to go after you.”
But while Macmillan is tasked with scouting the Bears, his players are focusing on bringing home a Senior Day win for their outgoing class, which is comprised of Taylor Brown, Cathryn Altdoerffer, Laura Mastro, Marissa Higgins and Andrea Biegalski.
“I think our focus is more on us right now,” Brown said. “We’ll start looking at their game plan later.”
ch203310@ohiou.edu
UP NEXT
OHIO (7-6, 1-1 MAC) vs. Missouri State (4-8, 2-1 MAC)
1 p.m. Saturday, Pruitt Field
— The Bears are 4-8 on the season, but are 2-1 in conference play.
— Ohio leads the teams’ all-time series 22-9-1.
— Missouri State hasn’t finished better than last in the MAC since joining in 2005.
