Ohio State Overpowers Cincinnati in Bearcats’ Home Opener
CINCINNATI - The Bearcats had the home crowd behind them and a familiar face on the opposing sideline, but it wasn’t enough to slow down a red-hot Ohio State squad that rolled to a 19-8 win on Monday afternoon at Nippert Stadium.
The headline coming into this one was the return of Camryn Callaghan - and the former Bearcat didn’t disappoint. In her first game back in Cincinnati since transferring to Ohio State, the senior midfielder put on a clinic, notching a season-high six goals. Callaghan, who racked up 157 goals in her three years with the Bearcats (second-most in program history), reminded fans why she was such a force in black and red - and showed why she’s become an instant impact player for the Buckeyes.
For Cincinnati, sophomore Paige Selhorn continued to emerge as a playmaker. She led the Bearcats with five points, scoring twice and dishing out three assists.
Selhorn showed great field vision and chemistry with senior Lexie Wolfe, who added two goals of her own, forced two turnovers, and won a pair of draw controls. Sophomore Morgan Handzel also stood out, dominating the draw circle with a game-high nine wins - a bright spot in an otherwise tough day.
The stat that told the story? Shot volume.
Ohio State outshot Cincinnati 24-14 on goal, creating more opportunities and finishing with efficiency. Despite both teams being even in draw controls (15 each) and turnovers (17 apiece), the Buckeyes’ ability to generate and capitalize on chances made the difference.
Wolfe got the Bearcats on the board early, finishing off a Selhorn assist to tie the game at 1-1 in the opening quarter. But Ohio State responded with a three-goal burst to take a 4-1 lead. Payton Kozina pulled one back late in the quarter to make it 4-2, but the Buckeyes had already started to find their rhythm.
Then came the Callaghan show. The former Bearcat dominated the second quarter, scoring three straight goals to stretch the lead to 7-3.
Junior Lilly Stelzer answered with a free position goal, and Selhorn added her second of the day with under a minute left in the half. But Ohio State had the final word before the break, as Kate Tyack scored with 15 seconds remaining to give the Buckeyes a 9-5 halftime cushion.
The third quarter brought more of the same. Ohio State struck twice in quick succession to open the half, extending the lead to 11-5. Stelzer powered through for her second goal, and Wolfe and Selhorn linked up again late in the quarter to keep Cincinnati within striking distance at 12-7.
But in the fourth, the Buckeyes slammed the door shut. A 7-1 run to close the game left no doubt, as Ohio State pulled away and handed Cincinnati a tough loss in its home opener.
Up Next:
The Bearcats will look to bounce back on Friday, Feb. 20, when they host Central Michigan at Nippert Stadium.
Opening draw is set for 4 p.m. ET.