After almost seven weeks and 12 games, Ohio will finally play a game on its home turf.
The Bobcats, who were originally scheduled to begin their home campaign Sept. 21, endured delays from Pruitt Field’s construction that have pushed the home opener until Saturday against Central Michigan.
“There’s something about knowing the field and having our parents and our fans at our games,” senior Katherine Fenzel said. “It’s great to be back home in Pruitt.”
Saturday will also be the second Mid-American Conference matchup of the season for the Bobcats (5-7, 1-0 MAC), as they will look to remain undefeated in MAC play.
Central Michigan (4-8, 1-1 MAC) and Ohio match up well on paper, as the Bobcats average 1.75 goals per game and 2.67 goals against while amassing 57 points, and the Chippewas average 1.58 goals per contest, allow 2.17 goals and have scored 55 points.
“(Central Michigan has) no fear when they play us,” coach Neil Macmillan said. “They beat us last year when we played there and we beat them the year before here. It can really go either way and the winner is in a great place in the conference.”
The Chippewas topped the Bobcats last year, but Ohio has gotten the better of the matchup in recent years by holding a 7-2 advantage since 2008.
If the Bobcats want to win this year’s matchup, they will have to contain junior midfielder Mary Alice Moore, who leads the Chippewas with four goals, as well as sophomore Kaysie Gregory, who is the team’s leader in points (10) and assists (4).
Defensively, Ohio will also need to cover the ball more than just around the net, as Central Michigan has tallied an assist on 17 of its 19 goals.
“Because we got Pruitt back this week, we’ve been able to practice full field, which is something we haven’t been able to do yet all season,” Macmillan said. “A full field practice lets us practice better for what we’re going to see from a team during a game.”
During the past five seasons, the Bobcats have achieved a win percentage of .743 compared to finishing at the .500-mark away from Athens.
“Not enough can be said about being able to sleep in your own bed before a game,” Macmillan said. “I think it’s going to make a huge difference to not have to travel this weekend.”
tj790511@ohiou.edu
