To be the best, you have to beat the best. That is the approach the Ohio softball team has taken this season.
In their first nine games of the season, the Bobcats have faced multiple postseason-caliber teams from power conferences, including the reigning national champion, No. 1 University of Washington.
If we want to take the (Mid-American Conference) like we're expected to do
we have to play the top teams because we're one of the top teams said senior outfielder Shalene Petrich.
This weekend, the Bobcats will face two more experienced teams. Both the Lehigh Mountain Hawks and the Longwood Lancers will face Ohio twice at the Lancer Spring Classic in Farmville, Va.
Entering the weekend Ohio is 2-7, but has played well against tough competition.
Even though we're not coming out with all the 'W's' that we want
we're still progressing our game
said coach Jodi Hermanek.
Athletically and talent wise
we're toe-to-toe with everyone we're facing
she said. But with the high level of competition
we need to learn to turn the corner and keep the gas pedal accelerated.
The Bobcats have struggled to push runs across the plate, and have stranded many runners in scoring position.
In the final two games last weekend, Ohio left nine runners on base each game.
We bring it down to execution
Petrich said. We're getting the runners on
but we need to execute the bunts and move the runners over. At this point
the little things are what win and lose games.
The Bobcats frequently have surrendered runs late in games, something both Hermanek and Petrich said the team has been focusing on improving.
It's all about our mental approach to the game
