Ohio got its sixth win of the season after a hard-fought match at Cristy Freese Field against Central Michigan on Friday. This was the fifth conference match of the season for Ohio, and its 2-1 victory in double overtime gives it a much-needed boost to end the regular season on the best note possible.
The Bobcats dominated early. In the first period alone, they had five shots compared to none from the Chippewas. Ohio also combined for five penalty corners in the first half. Its offensive control would be rewarded early in the second half when Kaelyn Long slotted home the first goal of the match to put Ohio up 1-0 in the 33rd minute.
Ohio continued its strong performance on the offensive side of the field for the remainder of the third period. It added four corners and six shots to its count. Ohio remained in complete cruise control — until the dying minutes of the match.
With only five minutes to play in regulation, Chippewas senior Allaura Bohan scored the equalizing goal that would take the Bobcats into their fourth overtime match this season. Just like that, it was a brand new match.
The first overtime period saw Ohio continue to keep its foot on the gas pedal. In only one period, the Bobcats had four shots — all of them on goal. But each time, they were denied by Chippewas goalkeeper Katie Maxim. With Ohio unable to find the back of the net, the match headed into a second overtime.
Just 23 ticks into the second overtime period, Ohio finally sealed the deal. It was freshman forward Noa Desmaretz who snuck one past Maxim to get the match-winning goal and secure a 2-1 win for the Bobcats in Mt. Pleasant.
There are only three matches left in the regular season for Ohio — all of which are at home — but there is still work to do. On Friday against the Chippewas, the Bobcats had a total of 20 shots with 13 on goal. Looking at the box score, one would think the match should not have gone into overtime.
Ohio must either take shots on goal more efficiently or tighten the screws on the defensive end, especially in the closing minutes of periods.
