There's no place like home.
After eight consecutive away games, the No. 11 Bobcats return to Athens Friday to face Central Michigan before hitting the road again Sunday to face Kent State, the only other undefeated team in Mid-American Conference play.
Forward Torrie Albini said she's excited to return to Peggy Pruitt Field.
We always have a good turnout of fans
she said. I think the energy will be really high especially after having not played at home for such an extended period of time.
Ohio (9-3, 3-0 MAC) last played on its own turf Sept. 4 against Robert Morris, trouncing the Colonials 6-0. The Bobcats went 6-2 during the following eight-game road trip, including a sweep of their first three MAC opponents.
The road success is comforting, Ohio coach Neil Macmillan said, but it doesn't compare to home-field advantage.
It's nice to sleep in your own bed not have the issues with work
and play on our field
he said.
Sunday's road contest against Kent State (8-3, 3-0 MAC) pits Ohio against its most immediate competition for the conference's top spot. The Golden Flashes picked up 19 votes in the latest STX/NFHCA Top 20 poll, the only other MAC team to do so.
Although the numbers might seem similar, Macmillan said he feels his-
he said. We know they're tough at home. It's going to be a good competition.
Recent history seems to play to Ohio's favor. The Bobcats defeated the Golden Flashes twice in three games last year; however, Albini said they should concern themselves with playing their own game.
It's going to be a game based on emotions
she said. But that's when our skills are going to have to come in and take over. We're going to have to rely on our instincts and our team camaraderie.
While Ohio's other opponent this weekend, Central Michigan, has struggled this season, the Chippewas (2-7, 1-1 MAC) are coming off one of the biggest victories in its program's history. The Chippewas stunned No. 5 Michigan State with a 3-2 victory Sept. 26 for their first victory of the season. Central Michigan then went on to defeat Ball State Sunday for its first MAC win.
Ohio has to be prepared for the Chippewas' energy, midfielder Rachelle Coetzee said.
I'm sure they will be pumped
she said. We have to come out strong
too
and combat the pressure that they'll bring to us.
Macmillan said the Bobcats have to take control early and play well defensively to be sure a fate similar to Michigan State's doesn't await them.
We have to make sure we don't give up that many goals
because then you put yourself in a position to lose the game
