Donning black jerseys against their in-state foe, the Bobcats came to win at Chessa Field on Sunday afternoon. They did just that.
After a fairly fast-paced game between the Bobcats and RedHawks on Senior Day, Ohio was able to come out on top of its Mid-American Conference rival 2-0.
The Bobcats continually penetrated the RedHawks' defense, creating plenty of opportunities for themselves to score throughout the match, particularly in the beginning of the second half.
The team's persistence eventually paid off when senior Alexis Milesky scored in the 55th minute with an assist from junior Bryce Hueber. It was Milesky's third goal of the season.
"I haven't scored in a while, but I guess it's a great time to score 'cause we really needed it to win that half and win that game," Milesky said.
Celeste Fushimi-Karns scored Ohio's second goal in the 74th minute after breaking away from the pack and shooting at the net from 18 yards out. It was Fushimi-Karns' first career goal.
She said it was funny it even happened, because she, before the game, had been talking to teammates Allie Curry and Megan Niebuhr about getting one.
"It's not common for a defender to score, and the fact that it happened today after we were talking about it before the game is just icing on the cake I guess," she said with a laugh.
Even after gaining a clear advantage over the RedHawks in the second period, the Bobcats didn't let up, something coach Aaron Rodgers has repeatedly applauded his team for this season. He credited the ladies' positive, hard working attitudes despite the adversity they have faced for much of the season.
Getting the team's first win over Miami since 2008 also made the win that much sweeter.
"(It feels) amazing," Rodgers said. "Miami has had such a great program and so much credit goes to their coaching staff and team for the wonderful history that they've had, but ... I think our program is ready to take that next step."
The Bobcats were constantly on attack mode against the RedHawks, getting eight shots on goal compared the RedHawks' four. Ohio outshot Miami 19-9.
Freshman Sydney Leckie as well as junior Hueber got a few good looks during the match, but even though they weren't able to convert into goals, Rodgers said creating the opportunities is what counts.
"We kind of coach a very attacking-position-based soccer, and, you know, for us to continue, we can't score if we can't create the chances, and we're continuing to create, we continue to be creative, we have creative players that can get us in those situations, and we know if we keep doing that, and we just are a little sharper in front of the goal and getting the finishes like we did today ... We're gonna score those goals, and we're gonna win more and more games," Rodgers said.
And as for the future, Milesky is confident Ohio soccer is on its way up.
"You know what? This program is gonna go somewhere great," Milesky said. "I'm really lucky that I have my sister (Alivia) here, so I get to kind of live through her still, but I'm just so excited to see where this program goes."
The seniors honored at Senior Day for the Bobcats included Milesky, Natalie Estes, Mollie Whitacre, Kinsey Swartztrauber and Brooke Kemerer.
Ohio will host Kent State on Thursday at 3 p.m. for its final game of the regular season.
Clarification: This article has been updated to clarify that Bryce Hueber is a junior.
