Brittany Bott / Staff Photographer / bb211605@ohiou.edu

Ohio’s Bubba Walther goes up for the shot against Giordan Watson in Tuesday’s win (62-47) against Central Michigan. The Bobcat’s next game is tomorrow against Northern Illinois.

When assistant coach Geoff Lanier is looking to toughen up his athletes, he has one special tool to call upon: Domenica Silva.

Silva played forward for Ohio the past two seasons after transferring from Cowley County Community College. Last season — her senior year — she led the team in blocked shots with 37 and was second behind Rachel Frederick with 5.5 rebounds per game.

Lanier said that Silva brings a level of experience to practice that is needed for a team with such young players in the post.

“(Domenica) is probably one of the more physical and more talented post players that this league has seen in the last couple years,” Lanier said.

Lanier likes to bring in Silva to help simulate real-game situations that younger players may not be familiar with.

“We’re very lucky,” Lanier said. “Every time she walks into practice the kids are like, ‘Oh man.’ They know they’ve got to sharpen those elbows up, but we’re very lucky.”

Silva, originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil, is currently finishing up her bachelor’s degree in biology. Lanier said as a way of earning her scholarship, she is able to come help out in whatever way she can.

Coach Sylvia Crawley said that the team’s post play has improved from the beginning of the season to now, as the Bobcats prepare for tomorrow’s contest at Western Michigan. Silva has played a part in that improvement, Crawley said.

“She is a very physical player,” Crawley said. “Any time we can get her into practice, she helps us out.”
Silva said she feels fortunate to be able to assist her former team.

“I’m happy to be able to help them,” Silva said. “I really like seeing all the players and coaches, so it’s a pleasure to be here helping them.”

Ohio is the most proficient team in the Mid-American Conference when it comes to shooting 3-pointers (41.4 percent), but in situations where their perimeter game gets shut down, the Bobcats need the ability to drive to the basket.

In last Saturday’s win at Central Michigan, Ohio hit just five 3’s. Crawley said that as a result, the team had to drive to the basket, which they managed to do with much success.