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ATHENS, Ohio – The Ohio women's basketball team (0-3, 0-0 MAC) returned to the Convocation center tonight (Nov. 17) to face the 13th ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0, 0-0 B1G). Ohio proved ready for the challenging contest; trailing only by 10 at the end of the first quarter and leading in rebounds with 16. The non-conference matchup picked up each quarter, with Ohio ultimately falling 62-90. The Bobcats were led on offense by Yaya Felder, who had 21 points, while Caitlyn Kroll led the team on the boards with 9 total rebounds.

Coach Bob Boldon comments on the contest, "I thought we hung around, I was really hoping that when we got it down to 20, we could get it down to the low teens and give ourselves a shot, but to their credit they pushed it back up to 25... I don't think any of it came from a lack of trying, there's a lot of kids that are still relatively young in their days here at Ohio and they got a great opportunity to learn. Probably one of the best crowds we've had in the last three years and so to get in front of that and get out there and compete and have some success, goes a long way for your confidence and hopefully it makes us a better team down the road." 

The Bobcats' score count was low in the first quarter with only 8 on the board; 4 coming from Caitlyn Kroll, 2 from Yaya Felder and 2 from Abby Garnett. In the first 10 minutes of action Ohio totaled 12 rebounds; Kroll and Garnett having 4 apiece, 2 from Kate Dennis, and 1 from Ella Pope. The Ohio State Buckeyes were led offensively by Jacy Sheldon in the first quarter with 6 points, followed by Taylor Mikesell with 4. 

In the second quarter, the Bobcats came out fighting once more with Yaya Felder leading the Bobcats in scoring, putting up 8 more to total 10 at the end of the first half. Ella Pope was strong on the board for Ohio, taking 3 defensive rebounds in the 2nd, followed by Caitlyn Kroll with 2. The Bobcats also totaled 4 steals, ending the half 22-43. 

Ohio started the second half, scoring first with Yaya Felder hitting a huge three to get the Bobcats momentum up, however Ohio State pressed back going on a 9 point run. Yaya Felder had the most points for the Bobcats once more, putting up another 9; followed by Ella Pope and Caitlyn Kroll who each had 2. Kroll also led the third quarter with 3 rebounds. 

In the fourth and final quarter, the Ohio Bobcats managed to outscore Ohio State 21-18, this time with new players Jaya McClure and Aja Austin leading the offense. Jaya totaled 7 points in the last 10 minutes of play, followed by Aja Austin with 6. Yaya Felder managed to keep the offense going with 3 assists and 2 more points to hit her career high in scoring at 21.

Up Next:
Ohio will get on the road to Indianapolis, Indiana and play IUPUI on Sunday, Nov. 20. The game is scheduled to tip-off at 2 p.m. and can be streamed here.