ATHENS, Ohio – The Ohio women's basketball team (1-1, 0-0 MAC) triumphed over Dayton (1-2, A10), 67-61, in its home opener on Thursday, Nov. 16 in the Convocation Center.
 
After missing the first game of the season, sophomore Jaya McClure (Louisville, Ky.) returned with a standout performance. She led the team with 18 points, three steals, four assists along with a .667 field goal and three-point percentage.
 
"It was nice to have [Jaya] back. She played well, commanded the game and kept things under control. She did a nice job of coming back and running the team," head coach Bob Bolden said. "Running a team is a tough thing to do. Most of our kids will tell you that making shots is pretty easy, but running a team is a difficult thing. Having her experience from last year and coming back in a similar system, I thought she did an excellent job. She was so excited to play today, and I think she did a good job of letting the game come to her."
 
With McClure leading the charge, the Bobcats showed that contributions from multiple players on the court are important for a solid team win. Redshirt junior Madi Mace (Parkersburg, W. Va.) tallied 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and netted a career-high three field goals from the arch. Junior Kennedi Watkins (Ballwin, Mo.) recorded 10 points – with a career-best three three-pointers – and five rebounds.
 
It was a slow start in regard to scoring with the Bobcats leading Dayton 14-9 at the end of the first quarter. Ohio out-shot the Flyers in three of the four quarters, outperforming Dayton with a cumulative 38.6 field goal and 39.1 three-point percentage.
 
"I think we got a good flow of synergy with people who were in, and we just had good energy. We already look like we play good together," McClure said. "I'm always looking to make my teammates better and get open shots. Once everybody else is into it offensively then everyone wants to get the boards, everyone wants to box out."
 
A main source of Ohio's success came from its quick transitions from defense to offense. Overall, the team totaled 14 steals, 20 points off turnovers and 13 fast-break points. 
 
"I thought we did a great job defensively. This group's been challenged to play App State a certain way and Dayton a very different way based on Dayton's personnel. Through three quarters, I was impressed in the way we guarded and what those young ladies were able to do," Bolden said.
 
Freshman Laylay Fantroy (Palestine, Texas) amassed a career-best five rebounds and two assists. Senior Bengisu Alper (Istanbul, Turkey) and freshman Bailey Tabeling (Seymour, Ind.) contributed three steals each. Sophomore Cassidy Lafler (Dublin, Ohio) was one of Ohio's unsung heroes on defense. In 20 minutes on the court, Lafler earned four rebounds and a career-best two steals.
 
"The coaches really harped about being in front, taking the high post away and keeping your feet in front so I tried to do that as best as I could. Rebounding has always been my thing and I just try to keep my feet in front and not let them score," Lafler said. "We knew that there were big girls that were going to be good and finish around the rim and I tried to stop that."
 
The game was a battle throughout the entire 40 minutes, but Dayton really put the pressure on the Bobcats within the last two minutes of the fourth quarter. Even with the high pressure from the Flyers, Ohio was able to regroup and conclude its home opener with a satisfying 67-61 victory.
 
"It feels great. We got a win so it's awesome. I think we came back, fought hard and just pulled it out," Lafler said. "Last game we were up by a lot and had a tough loss. I think that really taught us that we need to stay focused through the end of the game."
 
The Bobcats will be back in action on Wednesday, Nov. 22 as they travel to Morehead State. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. ET and the game will be available to watch on ESPN+.
 
#OUohyeah