Ohio (4-5, 1-1 Mid-American Conference) enters this weekend on a win, coming off a 2-1 win against Longwood. Goalkeeper Mary Lotze earned MAC Defensive Player of the Week after a stellar performance, with five saves in the game.
This Friday and Sunday, Ohio will take on James Madison (6-2) and Miami (5-6) respectively. Ohio looks to win both of these games, at it will net them a positive win-loss record.
Weekend Information
Opponents: James Madison (6-2, 2-0 MAC), Miami (5-6, 2-1 MAC)
Locations: Pruitt Field (Athens, Ohio) and Field Hockey Complex (Oxford, Ohio)
Times: Friday at 1 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.
Where to Watch: ESPN+
James Madison Notes
James Madison has had a very successful season with a record of 6-2. The Dukes have scored a total of 24 goals this season, coming out to an average of three goals per game. The team is coming off a dominant 7-0 win against Queens N.C. and will look to carry its offensive firepower into the next game against Ohio. With how well Ohio's defense has played this season, though, expect a competitive matchup.
Miami Notes
Miami and Ohio have had similar seasons thus far. Both teams have struggled to get a good win streak going, and whenever a win happens, a loss will most likely follow. Their win percentages are similar as Miami has a .455 win percentage, and Ohio has a .444 win percentage. Miami is coming off of two losses, Michigan and Michigan State, causing Miami to drop in the standings. Expect them to come in playing aggressively against Ohio.
Players to Watch
Ohio's goalkeeper Mary Lotze has had an amazing season and won MAC Defensive Player of the Week this past week. She's totaled 61 saves this season with a save percentage of 77%. With Ohio going against a very offensive-orientated team in James Madison, good defense will be vital.
James Madison's midfielder Alice Roeper has scored seven goals this season, leading her team in that category, including a hat trick in the team's last game. Expect Roeper to see a lot of looks in James Madison's offense.
Miami's midfielder/striker Claudia Negrete Garcia also scored seven goals by herself this season. She has been a stream of consistency for Miami's offense and looks to continue that performance against Ohio this Sunday.
bg326422@ohio.edu