Mike Henry / Picture Editor / mh359006@ohiou.edu

Forward Jasmine Merith participates in passing drills during last Tuesday’s spring practice at Chessa Field. Merith, who will be a junior next season, talked of bonding as a team this spring and integrating the incoming freshmen into team chemistry.

With only 13 players on the team’s current roster, the Bobcats are doing everything they can to prepare for next season with a number of spring ‘friendlies,’ while having practice nearly every day.

“We are a small group,” junior defender Rachael Goulding said. “Because we have so many freshmen coming in next year, we have to set the bar for all of them.”

After compiling a 5-12-3 record last season, the Bobcats are looking to improve their record by competing in spring games and practicing six days a week. Coach Stacy Strauss said that she and the assistant coaches looked back on the fall season after it ended and made priorities of things to improve for the next season.

“We want to improve on things such as attacking one-versus-one and movement off the ball,” Strauss said. “But the big picture is that all 13 girls are all on the same page and have a good understanding of what we are trying to do.”

The Bobcats have been playing well during their spring season with a current record of 4-2-1.

“I have been impressed with their professionalism and how well they communicate on the field,” Strauss said. “They are not afraid to tell each other what to do on the field, and they have shown great maturity, leadership and understanding of the game.”

Forward Jasmine Merith said she feels the team is coming together well this offseason. She said the team has had leadership meetings and gone on a team hike to help build unity.

“We will be a young team and developing leadership this off-season is important for us,” Merith said.
   
Key returning players besides Merith and Goulding are first-team, All-MAC forward Erika Schmitt, All-MAC Freshman Jackie Hanson and goalkeeper Jess MacLean.

The group of 13 returning next year will be welcoming a group of 13 freshmen in the fall.

The 13 newcomers will not be able to join the team for practice until the fall, though. Strauss predicted that possibly three or four of the incoming freshmen could contribute to the team immediately.

The Bobcats will conclude the spring season with a home game against Cincinnati on May 11, followed by the annual Alumni Game on May 17 at Chessa Field.