The Bobcats had problems with consistency this weekend.

The Bobcats (2-8-3, 1-3-2 Mid-American Conference) came out flat against Northern Illinois (7-3-4, 3-2-1 MAC) on Friday, losing 3-2.

The Huskies scored in the 19th and 30th minutes. The defense allowed eight shots in the first half, five of which were on goal. The Bobcats had only four shots, two on goal.

Ohio played better in the second half, controlling the ball for most of the half. Junior forward Amy Lower scored goals in the 62nd and 65th minutes. The defense allowed only two shots, including one on goal in the 71st minute.

“As bad as we were in the first half, we were that good in the second half,” coach Stacy Strauss said. 

The Bobcats came out with more intensity in a draw against Western Michigan (3-9-1, 2-3-1) yesterday. They were able to maintain that intensity throughout the game.

“We came out today with a lot more energy,” Lower said. “We tried a new pre-game thing, where we get each other pumped up. Also, the sidelines were really helpful — doing cheers and keeping the energy up.”

The Bobcats took the early lead on a Lower goal in the 10th minute. Sophomore Jackie Hanson set up the goal by drawing defenders to her. She then passed the ball to senior Erika Schmitt, who sent in the cross that Lower headed into the net.

“It all started with (Hanson) taking the defense (one-on-one),” Lower said. “(The other players) make my job easy when they are working hard and making things happen.”

The turnaround for the Bobcats started with goalkeeper Jess MacLean. She had seven saves in the draw, allowing only one goal in the 71st minute. MacLean knew that she needed to have a better performance in order for the Bobcats to play better.

“We’ve had to shore up the defense a little bit,” MacLean said. “I felt that I had to be very sharp in order to organize the defense.”