Ohio (5-9, 2-4 Mid-American Conference) travels on the road to face Ball State (3-11, 2-3 MAC) after a 2-1 loss to Kent State.
Ohio enters this game eighth in the MAC, fighting for the sixth seed in the postseason tournament with two conference games to go. A potential win would put them a step closer to clinching a tournament berth.
As Ohio travels to Indiana, here is what you need to know.
Match Information
Opponent: Ball State
Venue: Briner Sports Complex (Muncie, Indiana)
Time: Friday at 3 p.m.
Where to Watch: Ball State All-Access
Follow live stats here.
Ohio Notes
The Bobcats play tough defense led by juniors Anouk Plaehn and Emily Risser, who combine for six defensive saves. Plaehn has led the team on all assets, as she has the most defensive saves and game-winning goals while being tied for the most points and goals. Risser brings aggressive defense and dimer ability. She is tied for first in assists and for fifth in points.
A key offensive performer is Boddhi Littlefield who is coming off an aggressive game where she scored the Bobcat’s lone goal on three shots against the Golden Flashes. Littlefield brings intensity on both offense and defense as she is tied for second in goals, third in points, tied for fourth shots, and has added a defensive save to go with it. The team will have to convert on every offensive opportunity.
Ball State Notes
Ball State currently leads the MAC with the most saves and the highest save percentage. Their offense is led by junior Emma van Hal who’s tied for fifth in the conference in goals and seventh in points. Graduate students Paloma Gomez Rengifo and Emma Hilton both rank in the top ten for most assists.
Players to Watch: Anouk Plaehn (Ohio) and Hannah Johnston (Ball State)
Plaehn is the player to watch as she’s a force to reckon with when the ball is near her. Plaehn comes into this game tied for the most defensive saves and tied for second in game-winning goals in the MAC.
As for Ball State, keep an eye on goalie Hannah Johnston who leads the MAC in saves, save percentage and saves per game. She’s coming off an eight-save performance against UC Davis.
