Ohio is set to host Ohio State and Longwood at Pruitt Field this weekend.
Although some writing hate mail toward Ohio University student senate president Megan Marzec can’t distinguish Ohio from Ohio State, spectators watching the Bobcats and the Buckeyes on Friday may notice some glaring differences.
The Bobcats, which were last shut out by California, will seek their first win.
Coach Neil Macmillan said he is looking forward to his team developing more by facing tough competition.
“I just want us to continue to grow,” Macmillan said. “Hopefully, if we can add in some higher-level tactical stuff, it will only serve us well.”
Sunday, Ohio will continue its three-game homestand versus the Longwood Lancers — a team new to the Mid-American Conference.
Longwood is 2-2 and is coming off a win against Virginia Commonwealth. They will play Miami before squaring off against Ohio.
Macmillan said Tuesday the Bobcats’ attitude has been positive, although it’s difficult with an 0-3 start.
The Bobcats have struggled to find continuity, having been shut out two straight games. The Bobcats’ defense, anchored by senior goalie Brittany Walker, has allowed four goals per game on average. Offensively, the Bobcats are averaging just four shots.
Macmillan has adjusted with his team’s youth, as he has started four freshmen regularly.
“It’s only introduction by fire, isn’t it?” Macmillan explained. “It really is one of those things where, they have come in, all of them, in great shape, ready to go, stepped right into it and had to learn as they are going through the process — which is really tough.
“They all have done admirably. They’re doing a great job adapting and wanting to learn and absorbing what we are giving them.”
Macmillan has had high praise of his new coaching staff, which is also fairly youthful. Tiffany Hubbard, Ohio’s associate coach, navigated Georgetown for seven seasons prior to coming to Athens. The program also added graduate assistant Liesl Morris over the offseason, a former standout for Michigan.
Since its last MAC title in 2011, Ohio has gone 15-22 during the regular season.
“Its frustrating with the wins and loses,” Macmillan said. “But the actual play is better. You look at how we might be towards the end of the season and it’s really encouraging.”
