Six weeks and a few bumps and bruises is all the field hockey team has needed to realize that this season is different than many before it.
The Bobcats have only three weeks remaining before they close out the spring, and coach Neil Macmillan has been pleased with how the season has gone thus far. There have been very few concerns for the team, Macmillan said.
“Our focus in practices for the first half-hour is a lot on agility, and it helps for when we eventually get out on the field for the rest of practice,” Macmillan said.
While out of the Bobcats’ control, the inability to play a full 11-versus-11 scrimmages during practice is something that has had its advantages and disadvantages. The 14 players remaining on the team after senior departures has provided the chance to play smaller games. This allows the players to focus on individual touches and skill.
“I realize with the spring season that you don’t always have the personnel that you need,” Macmillan said. “But we have been making it work the best we can with what we have.”
Fortunately, injuries have not been an issue for Macmillan and his staff. Only the typical minor bruises players pick up during
practices has been a recurring theme.
The focus and mentality of the practices have been different, and the players met with Macmillan this week to reaffirm that. With in-game scenarios and the agility of the players improving, a unique vibe has been felt for the team this spring. Macmillan believes the atmosphere attributed the feel to the personnel changes.
“We’ve got a great group who all get along well and are excited by the sport of field hockey,” Macmillan said. “They all want to be out on the practice field, and that has helped my focus and plan extremely well this season.”
Ohio will be participating in an alumni match May 8, which will give the players an opportunity to play in a competitive 11-versus-11 setting. It should also give an idea of where the team stands toward the end of the spring.
“We will get a good game in whether it’s playing against coaches or among ourselves,” Macmillan said. “It’s good just to be able to get out and play more structured hockey without it being too focused on the score like a tournament would be.”
Looking ahead to the fall, Miami, Kent State and Missouri State pose the greatest challenge for the Bobcats, Macmillan said. Miami recently hired Iñako Puzo as head coach, and Missouri State also made head coaching changes with Gabby Gomez Sosa.
“The players and the structure of how they play make them very strong,” Macmillan said. “Miami will be very different, but with their new coach they will remain to be good. We’re trying to focus on us getting better as a team.”
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