Nearing the midway portion of the 2013 campaign, Ohio field hockey has had two forces working against them — constant travel and a high level of competition.
Through six games, the Bobcats (2-4) have taken the field with three teams that are ranked in this week’s NCAA poll.
Also while playing that schedule, the team has traveled approximately 2,800 miles and will add another 600 miles on this weekend’s road trip.
“Even with the caliber of the teams we’ve played, the hardest part of this season has been having to go on the road every weekend,” senior Katherine Fenzel said. “It just doesn’t feel like we’ve spent a lot of time in Athens. As a senior, it’s nice to be able to have friends come and see you play at the home games and we haven’t had that yet.”
This weekend’s trip will take the Bobcats on the road to play Indiana.
The Hoosiers (4-2) and their relentless offense will enter Saturday riding a four-game winning streak, in which they have outscored their opponents 21-1, averaging over 20 shots per game.
The tandem of junior Audra Heilman and sophomore Sydney Supica leads Indiana, as they have combined for seven goals, eight assists, 22 points and 54 of the team’s 121 shots.
Despite needing to find a counter for Indiana’s dual-threat, coach Neil Macmillan remains confident.
“I believe that we match up well with Indiana. We are very similar teams,” he said. “A lot of the things we employed against Northwestern last week will work against Indiana as well.”
Seven different Hoosiers have scored at least two goals this season, as Indiana has outscored its opponents 21-7 this season.
Meanwhile, the Bobcats will hope to continue playing the same strength of defense they played last weekend against Cal and No. 12 Northwestern in Evanston, Ill., where Ohio goalie Brittany Walker allowed just one goal.
On Tuesday, Walker was named the Mid-American Conference defensive player of the week, after allowing just one goal during 140 minutes of play in goal.
Because of the improved defense last weekend, the Bobcats spent their practices this week focusing on offense.
“Attack was our main focus this week,” Macmillan said. “We need to create more opportunities.”
Saturday's game against Indiana was originally slated to be the Bobcats’ home opener, but the game was forced to relocate because of the ongoing construction of Pruitt Field.
“It’s something we haven’t really thought about, but it would be really disappointing if we don’t have a home game this year,” Fenzel said. “But all of us, especially the seniors, are keeping our fingers crossed that we’ll get one later this year.”
UP NEXT:
Who: Ohio (2-4) vs. Indiana (4-2)
Where: Bloomington, Ind.
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
tj790511@ohiou.edu
