For the first time this year, Ohio was swept in a two-game series.

The Bobcats traveled to Missouri to take on Lindenwood University in a matchup of the No. 4 and No. 6 teams in the nation.  Lindenwood won a high-scoring affair Friday, 9-6, and followed that with a tight 3-1 victory Saturday.  The nine goals on Friday were the most goals Ohio has allowed in five years.

A large chunk of the goals on Friday were scored while the teams were playing four-on-four.  Lindenwood (9-4) notched three goals, while Ohio netted only one goal.

“We needed to stay away from those situations,” coach Dan Morris said.  “They play extremely well four-on-four.  Whether five-on-five or four-on-four, they kicked our butts even-strength.”

Paul Marshall started in goal Friday, but was pulled halfway through the second period with the Bobcats down 7-5.  Chris Carlson finished the game, allowing only one goal. It was Carlson’s first action since suffering a wrist injury three weeks

ago.

“We’re happy with Chris’ effort,” Morris said.  “He’s not ready for a full 60 minutes, but he made some big saves when he needed to.”

Ohio (8-6) got on the board first Saturday against the Lions. Lindenwood evened the score in the second and then capitalized on an Ohio penalty in the third to take a 2-1 lead.  Another empty-net goal gave the Lions the 3-1 victory.

“Saturday was a much cleaner game,” forward Jim Roach said.  “We didn’t execute on their mistakes. The margin of error for both team was small, and they capitalized on mistakes.”

Marshall was back in goal for the ’Cats Saturday, rebounding from his rough performance Friday.

“Saturday, Paul played really well,” Morris said.  “He bounced back very nicely from Friday.”

Because of injuries, three forwards played as defenders during the weekend. Roach and Brandon Steffek also played defense last weekend against Michigan-Dearborn.

“They got their feet wet against a weaker opponent in Dearborn,” Morris said.  “Against a better opponent, they were exposed.  They got better as the game and the weekend went on.  You could see the improvement from Friday to Saturday.”

Roach felt that the converted defenders’ inexperience played a role in the weekend’s games.

“Our breakouts and neutral zone coverage were good, but when you have five guys playing together, guys get out of position,” Roach said.  “Me and Steffek, we’re not naturally experienced defenseman.  We made a few small mistakes here and there, and they capitalized.”