Ohio was able to complete the weekend home sweep by defeating Longwood in a shootout, 1-0.
Similiar to their game against Ohio State on Friday, the first half was led by strong defensive performances by both teams. Neither team was able to score, with Brittany Walker, who had four saves, and Lauren Bernard, who made five saves, each playing well in goal.
The scoreboard, however, did not reflect the numbers of opportunities each team had to score. Ohio was able to get eight shots off in the first half, while Longwood (1-4, 0-1 MAC) was able to get off four shots in the first half.
“We did a good job creating opportunities, but then the goalkeeper would make a save,” Ohio coach Neil Macmillan said. “If we could get around her, create those opportunities, and score those opportunities, then it would be a different game.”
The second half was similar to the first half: both teams struggling to put one in the net. Unlike the first half, there were limited opportunities to score. Both teams combined to have three shots, with Ohio (2-3, 1-0 MAC) having two of them. With neither team scoring, the game went in to overtime.
In the overtime period, which is 7-on-7, Ohio returned to its first half attacking style, with six shots and five corners in the overtime period. Neither team was able to score, which led to a shootout.
Through the first four shots for each team, the score was tied at 2-2. Lauryl Desch had the first opportunity, and was able to put one in the back of the net. Walker then sealed it for the Bobcats, with a save off a shot by Lil-Sophie Arcthenwinter.
“I tried to have a positive attitude (during the shootout), just so the rest of the team can stay positive because I know it’s just as nerve-wracking for them as a shooter, than it is for me as a goalkeeper,” said Walker, who earned her second consecutive shutout.
Ohio’s next game will be Saturday, a home game against Indiana. The game will start at 1 p.m.
