Box Score

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ATHENS, Ohio — The Ohio field hockey team took a tough overtime loss to Ball State 2-1 in its first Mid-American Conference match of the season. 

Ohio dominated in the circle with 23 shots compared to Ball State's eight. Ohio had no issues breaking through Ball State's defense; its main challenge was avoiding a deflection. 

"(Ball State's) keeper had an incredible game. We struggled getting around her and getting the rebounds to fall the way we wanted to," head coach Ali Johnstone said. 

Ball State's Michaela Graney broke through the Bobcats' defense with a goal in the eleventh minute of the first quarter to score the first goal of the match. The Cardinals maintained that lead into the second quarter. The Bobcats had a chance to score on back-to-back corners in the second quarter, but neither attempts proved successful.

Ohio came out for the second half determined to score. It took four penalty corners in the third quarter, but Ohio's fate remained the same as shots rolled wide and Ball State deflected others. 

With five minutes left in the match, Freshman midfielder Pauline Hartlieb (Leverkusen, Germany) gave Ohio its first goal off an assist from sophomore back Anouk Plaehn (Hanover, Germany) . Hartleib's goal marked her third-straight match with a goal and her third goal of the season. Plaehn's assist marked her fourth, whch leads the team.

"She's like a little spitfire. She's the youngest on the team," Johnstone said. "She came in and she was really, really quiet. Every week, she's just coming a little bit more out of her shell. She asks really good questions, and she sees the game really, really well."

Tension rose as both teams tried to keep overtime off the table. However, neither team was able to find the back of the goal as the clock wound down. Ohio was sent to its second-straight overtime. 

Ohio had several chances to score, but nothing connected. Ball State took the win on a goal by Fleur Knopert with only a few minutes left in the overtime period. 

"This is a special unit and to not come away with a win, it's just heartbreaking for that group. Especially when we're pretty dominant on the field," Johnstone said.  

Up Next: 

Ohio will be back in action on Friday (Sept. 22) against Kent State in Kent, Ohio. First touch is set for 3 p.m. ET.

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