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ATHENS, Ohio - The Ohio soccer team (7-1-4, 2-0-3 MAC) returned to action on Sunday (Oct. 6) in Akron, Ohio, defeating Mid-American Conference rival Akron (5-5-2, 0-5-0 MAC), 3-1.

Ohio outshot Akron 13-8, with the Bobcats managing to put six shots on target, while the Zips recorded four.

Junior goalkeeper Celeste Sloma (Columbus, Ohio) played all 90-minutes and impressed with four saves, and the team earned five corner kicks throughout the match.

Individually, junior Ella Deevers (Streetsboro, Ohio) led the Bobcats with three shots on goal, scoring one goal assisted by junior Rayann Pruss (Perrysburg, Ohio), who also tallied one shot on goal. Sophomore Rylee Mensel (Westerville, Ohio) contributed with one shot on goal and one goal, while freshman Lillian Weller (Xenia, Ohio) celebrated her second career goal as a Bobcat.

Ohio started the match with tenacity, and in the fifth minute, Deevers found the net off an assist from Pruss, putting Ohio ahead 1-0. The Bobcats continued to press the attack, as Deevers and Pruss recorded back-to-back attempts in the 21st minute, both saved by Akron goalkeeper Penelope Cuirinier. In the 28th minute, Mensel doubled Ohio's lead with another goal, making it 2-0.

Akron responded with a goal in the 41st minute, but Ohio answered back with a penalty kick from Weller, extending the lead to 3-1 at halftime.

At the break, Akron led in shots 8-7, though Ohio managed five shots on goal.

The second half commenced with both teams battling for possession, creating an intense atmosphere on the field. Neither team were able to generate any more offense throughout the final 45 minutes, with Ohio's defense holding strong and securing the 3-1 victory. 

Ohio will return to action on Oct. 10 when they return to Athens to take on Eastern Michigan. First touch is set for 4 p.m. at Chessa Field and can be seen on ESPN+.