Already with the same number of overall wins and Mid-American Conference wins as last year, Ohio will play Longwood on Friday in a crucial game for tournament seeding.
A win for either team would guarantee at least a 3-win MAC season and top-four seed in the MAC tournament.
At the start of MAC play, Ohio (4-7, 2-1 MAC) had a three-game winning streak, including one nonconference game. But the Bobcats haven’t won in October.
During their three-game losing streak, the Bobcats have struggled defensively, allowing 13 goals.
Offensively, Jillian Shive continues to lead the Bobcats with six goals. Freshmen Ashley Wilbur and Tayla Hansen have also stepped up recently.
The Lancers (7-4, 2-2 MAC) have a two-headed attack that has scored 13 goals. Olivia Wawryzniak leads the team with seven goals on 30 shots.
Despite giving up 13 shots per game, Longwood has allowed fewer than two goals a game thanks to goalie Katie Wyman, who has saved 74% of the shots she’s faced.
Longwood is ranked 34th in the country based on RPI, second in the MAC. Ohio is 67th of 77th teams.
Ohio and Longwood have both beaten Central Michigan and Appalachian State so far in the MAC. Longwood was able to upset ranked Liberty 2-1, while Ohio was blown out 7-1 by the Flames.
The Lancers won last year, 2-1, in a defensive battle that only had 11 shots and five penalty corners. Longwood was in control throughout the game as Ohio managed its lone goal in the 68th minute.
Having not won a road game all season, Ohio needs to win if it wants to be a top-four seed in the MAC tournament.
