Ohio has been eliminated from postseason play.
It was simple — if Ohio won Thursday, it'd be in the Mid-American Conference Tournament.
Ohio lost 1-0 at Kent State, ending its 2015 campaign. The Bobcats finished (5-13, 3-8 MAC) and missed postseason play for the second consecutive season.
“I know we aren’t going out at this point the way they wanted to, but they have given so much to this program,” coach Aaron Rodgers said.
Two weeks ago, Ohio had five games remaining, needing at least three wins to solidify a spot. During that five game period, Ohio went 1-4, preventing any possible chance of a tournament bid.
Last year, the Bobcats ended on a six-game losing streak to miss the tournament. This year they ended on a three-game losing streak.
For most of the first half, Ohio played Kent State close, considering the threat the Golden Flashes pose at home. But in the 61st minute, the momentum shifted to Kent State, effectively thwarting any momentum Ohio built up.
Kent State had 21 shots on goal, with freshman Taylor Smith saving all but one.
{{tncms-asset app="editorial" id="1263e012-7d8d-11e5-9ec0-af7b3cc5bfb3"}}
For now, it’s taking time off for the team before hitting the pitch for offseason training. Though not an ideal season, the team is quite youthful and after several freshmen getting the chance to prove themselves, Rodgers surely shouldn’t expect his two-year hiatus from tournament play to continue.
Ohio may have struggled with bouncing back from hard seasons these past two years, but with a new foundation set, the team’s future could look optimistic.
It was the last game for seniors Grace Campbell and Leah Sandercock, and redshirt juniors Carly Manso and Holly Harris. But Rodgers can’t thank them enough for everything they have brought to the program.
“I want to take my hat off to our seniors who have been here the three seasons I’ve been here,” Rodgers said. “I really respect all the dedication they have given to this program.”
@wynstonw_
ww773412@ohio.edu
