After splitting its road trip to Xavier and Miami, Ohio will finish out its dual meet season with optimism riding high.
“I thought the meets went well,” coach Derick Roe said, “We’re going to look to continue (to) learn from our races and I’m excited for this part of the season.”
The Bobcats concluded their weekend with a 186-111 loss to the RedHawks despite sophomore Addison Ferguson’s valiant effort in three first-place finishes, including the 400-yard medley relay.
“She’s always a competitor,” Roe said on Ferguson’s performance. “She had some great swims and she was impressive especially since she’s been battling illness all this week.”
But Saturday wasn’t the last time the Mid-American Conference rivals will square off, as the Bobcats look forward to their meeting later in the month in the MAC Championships.
“Miami was a preseason favorite,” Roe said. “They’re defending MAC Champions and to go in and race them the way we did, it was a good way to start building for this year’s championship.”
On Friday, Ohio outpaced Xavier 127-74 inside the O’Connor Sports Complex, though no divers competed.
The Bobcats had to adjust to the variety of events that the team doesn’t compete in normally, with senior Laurin Williams placing first in the 400- and 800-yard freestyle.
Ohio adapted its line-up to match Xavier’s 100-yard individual medley and 150-yard events in all strokes.
“There was a lot of ‘what if’ scenarios,” Roe said. “So we just let it play out. There wasn’t the best racing conditions, as there was only four lanes, but I’m still happy with the times we got.”
In Roe’s two years with the team, his first as head coach, the Bobcats have achieved a total mark of 12-8. With the dual meet season over, Roe has had time to reflect on the season at hand.
“I think we learned a lot,” Roe said. ”You know, coming together, being supportive as a team and ultimately how to swim our races. I’m happy we came together and built upon that.”
After a season of turmoil and difficulty, the Bobcats can finally focus on their ultimate goal of winning their 12th MAC Championship.
“This is the time of year we want be in,” Roe said. “Dual season is always fun, it’s been a great practice but this is time we really look forward to.”
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This article appeared in print under the headline "Bobcats finish last dual meet of the season with a loss to Miami."
