Ohio (0-3) will kick off a three-game road trip to California with a faceoff against UC Davis (2-1) on Thursday as the Bobcats look for their first win of the season. Here’s what you need to know:
Match Information
Opponent: UC Davis
Venue: Aggie Field Hockey Facility (Davis, California)
Time: Thursday at 3 p.m.
Where to Watch: ESPN+
Follow live stats here.
Ohio Notes
The Bobcats have had a rough start to the season, losing all of their first three games and being outscored 13-1 in those games. Their most recent game against Saint Louis on Saturday was their most successful this year, with Emily Risser scoring the Bobcats’ first goal of the season off of an Anouk Plaehn assist.
The Bobcats did show offensive prowess in this game, outshooting Saint Louis 15-8 (8-3 shots on goal), but ultimately fell to the Billikens 3-1.
Risser, Plaehn, Tiana Nhamoinesu and Mia Scheulen each had three shots on Saturday’s game, and could all be big contributors on offense against UC Davis. The Bobcats will need to replicate Saturday’s offensive abilities and put more shots in the net to contend in this game.
This game will also kick off the first of three games Ohio will play in California this weekend.
UC Davis Notes
The UC Davis Aggies have started 2-1 for the second straight year and will enter this game on a two-game winning streak. This will be the fourth consecutive game where the Aggies play a Mid-American Conference team. The Aggies opened their season with a 4-0 loss at Miami-Ohio, but won 2-1 at Bellarmine and beat Ball State in overtime 5-4.
Players to Watch: Mia Scheulen (Ohio), Ella Franken (UC Davis)
Scheulen turned heads in her first career start Saturday, shooting the ball three times, all of which were on goal. The sophomore will likely get the starting nod again against the Aggies and will look for her first career goal.
Franken is by far UC Davis’ best offensive player, leading the team in goals (4), points (9), shots (12) and shots on goal (6). She scored two goals apiece against Bellarmine and Ball State, and assisted the game-winning goal against the latter. The Bobcats will likely need to focus on her on defense to keep the ball out of the net.
