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Field Hockey Cracks NCAA Top 20

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Taylor Brown's overtime goal against #8 American didn't just improve Ohio field hockey to 6-0. Her crunch-time shot propelled the Bobcats into the NCAA top 20 rankings.

Ohio entered the national coaches poll today at number 15 after six straight wins to open the 2011 season. Ohio's defense continues to impress, as goaltender Jen McGill and the field hockey back line have combined for three shutouts in six games and have the best goals-against average in the MAC by more than a full goal (0.56). Central Michigan is next at 1.70.

After getting 59 points in last week's NCAA poll, the Bobcats jumped 12 spots and gained more than 200 points in a week when it beat previously eighth-ranked American 2-1.

Ohio hasn't been ranked this high since 2007, and the Bobcats were ranked ninth in 2001, according to Ohio Assistant Media Relations Director Drew Wiseman.

Ohio's next opponent is Robert Morris (PA) on Friday. The Coloniels are just 2-4.

The next big test for the Bobcats is Sunday's match-up with Indiana University, as the Hoosiers were ranked 19th nationally before falling out of the top 20 this week.

Full NCAA Field Hockey Rankings


Ohio Sweeps MAC Weekly Awards Again

A successful weekend results in a Tuesday sweep.

Ohio field hockey took home both of the Mid-American Conference’s weekly awards today for the second straight week.

Taylor Brown was named conference Offensive Player of the Week for her game-winning goal in the Bobcats’ overtime win over previously eighth-ranked American University. She leads the ‘Cats in goals scored with five.

Louzeth Schutte completed the sweep, as she was named the MAC Defensive Player of the Week. Schutte scored Ohio's first goal against the Eagles and now has three goals this season. She had only two goals all of last year. Schutte and her defensive unit have surrendered just four goals through six games in 2011.

Schutte has been named Defensive Player of the Week all three weeks this season, while Brown received her first weekly award of the year. Ohio has taken both Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week two out of the three weeks this year.