The Bobcats recovered from their two-match losing streak after starting the season off 3-0 with a 3-1 win over Cleveland State on Sunday afternoon at Krenzler Field.
Both teams started out strong defensively as neither Ohio nor Cleveland State found any solid looks on goal. Ohio’s persistence on offense eventually led them to a goal later in the first period as Isabella Ginocchi landed one over Annie Jackson to chalk up her first goal of the season.
Ohio came out of the first half with the same energy, leading Abby Townsend to sneak one right above Miranda Thomas to increase the lead to 2-0. Cleveland State felt the pressure and began to play more aggressively on offense.
Ja’Maya Ward ended up landing a goal for Cleveland State in the bottom left corner to shorten Ohio’s lead to 2-1 in the 59th minute.
After battling back-and-forth in the second half, Ohio sealed the match with a goal from Haley Miller to increase the lead to 3-1. The goal was her first of the season as well.
Coach Aaron Rodgers and his squad made a statement on Sunday after falling short in their two previous matchups. Cleveland State looked outmatched offensively throughout the contest as they only mustered up four shots on goal compared to Ohio’s 11. Ohio controlled the tempo for the majority of the match while not allowing Cleveland State to find any rhythm. Ohio’s strikers, led by Townsend with three shots on goal, proved to be too much for Cleveland State’s defense to keep up with.
The Bobcats improved their record to 4-2 and will look to capitalize off this win. Ohio will make a seven-hour road trip next Sunday to North Carolina as they face against 4-3-1 Western Carolina.
