The No. 20 Ohio State field hockey team looks to stay hot in two key games this week. OSU has won eight of their last nine matches and look to carry that momentum into games against Louisville and Michigan.
The Buckeyes play No. 15 Louisville 3 p.m. Wednesday.
The Cardinals have posted an overall record of 7-5 this year, but their record is deceiving. Four of their five losses have come against ranked opponents, three of which are currently in the top eight.
“Louisville is always a tough game,” senior goalkeeper Lindsay Quintiliani said.
The Buckeyes lost in last year’s meeting and are just 1-2 against the Cardinals in the last three seasons.
However, Wednesday’s game is at home, where the Buckeyes are now 6-1 this season following a victory over Iowa on Sunday.
Following the matchup with Louisville, the Buckeyes will have a quick turnaround as they play host to rival Michigan at 1 p.m. Saturday.
The Buckeyes have split the past four meetings with the Wolverines. Both games were decided by only one goal.
Michigan comes in with an overall record of just 6-8, but five of their losses came against top 10 opponents. The Wolverines will come in hot, having won four of their last five contests. Their only loss came last Sunday in double overtime.
Ohio State and Michigan will enter the game Saturday tied for second in the Big Ten. Both teams are 2-1 in conference play this season and in pursuit of the Big Ten title.
The Buckeyes have made it clear that a conference championship is their main goal this season. “We’re very confident that this is our year to win it,” forward Berta Queralt said after Sunday’s win over Iowa.
Queralt leads the team with 33 points this season, which is best among Big Ten freshmen. Queralt, along with the rest of the team, communicates exceptionally well on the field. Coach Anne Wilkinson said the team’s communication is a key to their success this season.
The Buckeyes aim to continue that success this week against Louisville and Michigan.
