After a promising start at the Cardinal Classic, the Bobcats fell out of the top spot to tie for sixth place.

The women finished the second round with a score of 32-over 320, bringing their final score to a 41-over 617. They tied with Bowling Green, who scored 23-over 311 during the first round and 18-over 306 during the second round.

“Everyone has to remember that their score counts,” said head coach Kelly Ovington. “We needed four scores, and I had a good one from Megan (Weaver). We needed three more in the 70s to do better … it just shows what a team sport golf is.”

Megan Weaver (2-over 146) tied for fourth, with Kathryn Rogner of Youngstown and April Emerson of Eastern Kentucky.

“Megan had a great round today,” Ovington said. “(She) said she didn’t necessarily play a good round, but she scored good.”

Meryl Weaver also managed a hole-in-one on the seventh hole. The hole was a par-3, 131 yards.

“I think it was her first one,” Ovington said. “It was great for her tournament play.”

Other scores on the team include Meryl Weaver (11-over 155), Sarah Tranelli (13-over 157), Kara Brinkmann (15-over 159) and Jordan Fesh (18-over 162).

Ovington said that, while the team will continue to work on its short game, the things the women need to work on vary.

“We will continue to work on our short game because that is the most important thing … if you can get up and down on the green, then you are solid,” she said. “I am walking away on a positive note. … Today was a little bit of a struggle, but I think that they worked really hard today.”

Western Michigan finished first with Southern Illinois and Ball State rounding out the top three. Ashland University and Eastern Kentucky tied for fourth place.

The women travel to Penn State Saturday to participate in the 2010 Nittany Lion Invatational.

“We leave on Thursday for Penn State, so we will have one practice before then,” Ovington said. “Everyone has different issues to work on. That is the unique thing about the game. … Everyone has a different problem, and that’s what makes it a challenge.”

Courtney Seiders had almost no shots against her Sunday at Pruitt Field, which was perfectly fine with her.

For most of Ohio U.’s 7-0 rout of Ball State, Seiders stood alone in front of the net while the Bobcats relentlessly attacked the Cardinals’ defense. Ball State managed only two shots and had no corners.

“It’s fun to make saves,” she said. “But it’s also fun to not really do anything.”

Seiders earned the respite, however, after making a total of 16 saves the previous weekend and 14 the weekend before that.

The senior earned Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors last Wednesday thanks to an 11-save effort in Ohio’s 3-1 win against Richmond Sept. 19.

“I think anytime we get Defensive Player of the Week, it’s about our defense (as a whole),” Seiders said. “It’s never just one person back there.”

Seiders said before the Richmond contest that the Bobcats’ backfield needed to limit the number of shot attempts by opposing offenses. It failed on that account, as the Spiders tallied 19 shots, but since then has clamped down opposing offenses.

Ohio allowed eight shots during its overtime win against Miami Saturday. Combined with her three saves during that match, Seiders had just four during the weekend.

The Bobcats have allowed three goals in their current five-game win streak, and they’ve done it without redshirt junior Louzeth Schutte, a leader in the backfield.

“Our defense is playing well,” Seiders said. “But, again, it’s not just me. It comes through everyone else.”

Coach Neil Macmillan said Seiders, who is 6-foot-1, uses her size to block shots more than Ohio’s past goalies.

“If you’ve got a good goalkeeper – and I think we have – you’re going to be in a situation when shots do arise,” Macmillan said. “(When) play does come down to your defensive ends, you’ve got a bit of confidence in it.”

She said her .800 save percentage, eighth in the nation, is a credit to the defense as a whole.

“It’s a goal of mine to have a good save percentage because then it means we’re keeping balls out of the cage, winning games,” Seiders said.

Although she likes to be bored in front of the net, Seiders said she’s ready to defend it.

“If I have to make a save, I have to make a save,” she said.

Rain canceled the final round of the John Piper Intercollegiate Tuesday, but it didn’t dampen the hopes for the rest of the Bobcats’ season.

“I want us to keep getting better, and I think we’re headed in the right direction,” said Ohio U. head coach Bob Cooley.

Cooley estimates the team got through the first seven to nine holes Tuesday, but with rain dampening the course overnight and into final round play, it was all over.

“The course just became unplayable because it never stopped raining,” said coach Cooley, “There was standing water on the greens and in the fairways, and it was kind of unfair to the kids.”

Third round play began as scheduled at 8:30 a.m. yesterday after club officials determined that the course was playable. But after continuous rain throughout the morning, play had to be halted shortly after 11:00 a.m. when the course became unplayable.

Ohio recorded its first top ten finish of the season both individually and in team play during the event.

Byron Firestone recorded the first top ten finish of the season for the Bobcats with his 4-over 48. Although Cooley was pleased with Firestone’s individual finish, he says that his team can play better.

“It basically came down to making a couple big numbers. John Mlynarski played real well the first round, but then he shot two balls into the water,” Cooley said, “But we’re getting better.”

The short game hurt the Bobcats once again during the event, with many players double and triple bogeying holes after reaching the green with only a few shots.

All Ohio starters placed in the top 50 in the event, with Paul Grauer, Brad Lucas and Chuck Nettles posting identical scores. Both shot 8-over 152, with 76s in both rounds.

Mlynarski, who led all Bobcats after the first round, plummeted in the second round. The junior shot a 7-over 79, taking him from 12th to 46th.

Bowling Green won its own event by 11 strokes, with Falcon Drew Preston winning individually with a 5-under-139.

Even Mid-American Conference women’s soccer has a ‘west side story.’

After the first weekend of conference play, a chasm between the MAC East and West Divisions is beginning to show.

Five of the six West Division squads picked up at least one win in conference play last weekend, but only two East Division teams earned wins. The West went 7-4-1 and scored 21 goals, while the East posted a 4-7-1 mark and put 15 balls in the net.

MAC West schools have 11 more wins than MAC East schools this season despite having played two fewer games.

Only one East squad has more than four wins this season, but five West schools have five or more victories. The West has allowed 36 fewer goals than the East.

“Some of the traditional powerhouses in the conference are certainly in the West,” said coach Stacy Strauss, adding that strength of schedule often plays a role in a team’s overall record and goal differential.

“Each year has been different in terms of parity,” she said.

This is the first season the conference has been split into six-team divisions. The two division champions will clinch the top two seeds in the MAC Tournament in November.

Ohio (3-4-2, 0-1-1 MAC) was one of four MAC East teams not to pick up a win this weekend, but still finds itself in third place in the division. No conference team won on the road this past weekend.

“We’ll take any point we can get,” Strauss said. “We were the only road team to get any road point at all.”

Winning a MAC Tournament title will be difficult for the Bobcats or any other MAC East school, as a MAC West squad has won the regular season and tournament championship each of the last four seasons.

“It’s probably something we’ll think about later in the season as all that pans out,” Strauss said. “But for now, everyone still has to play every other team, so it’s proven again to be a tough conference – very physical games throughout from top to bottom.”

The Bobcats’ schedule is especially top-heavy. Ohio plays all six West Division squads before facing the other five teams in the East Division.

“The trip to Michigan that we just took is, for everybody in the conference, probably the toughest road trip,” Strauss said. “As long as we stay confident and don’t freak out, it’s good to get those out of the way. You’d like to think you’re continuing to improve and learn from playing quality competition.”

Coal-fired power plants in Ohio are contributing to above-average mercury levels in the state’s water, according to the research of an Ohio U. professor.

Kevin Crist, a chemical engineering professor, has been researching mercury deposition for about six years.

His findings have determined that the level of mercury in Athens’ water is above average, and up to 70 percent of mercury in local water comes from global emissions from as far away as China and India. However, some of the mercury comes from local, coal burning power plants.

“This part of the United States is a little higher than other areas, but is not exceptionally high,” said Crist, whose study focuses on the Ohio River Valley and Great Lakes. Crist received about $1.26 million from the Department of Energy for his study.

The study is ongoing and recent numbers are still being determined, Crist said. But in 2008, Athens water measured about 9.8 nanograms of mercury per liter, according to the National Atmospheric Deposition Program. This is higher than other areas, which measure 7 or 8 nanograms per liter.

“It comes from plants and incinerators; there are lots of different sources,” Crist said, adding that mercury from these sources stays in the atmosphere initially but escapes into water sources when it rains and builds up in the fish.

David Gay, program director for the Mercury Deposition Network at the NADP, said rainfall is one of the most important factors that contribute to mercury levels.

“In the Midwest and Southwest, rainfalls tend to be smaller, so the atmosphere tends to be dirtier and there’s more dilution – more water to spread the mercury in,” Gay said.

The mercury is safe in the water itself, but wildlife around local water accumulates mercury, Gay said

“There are higher concentrations in animals eating the fish and living in the area,” Gay said.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency suggests that Ohioans limit their consumption of local fish to one or two meals a week for most species, according to a 2010 Ohio Sport Fish Consumption Advisory.

Dangerous mercury levels affect everyone, but the biggest concern is Ohio’s youngest residents, Gay said.

“This especially affects pregnant women, women of childbearing age,” he said. “That’s who we’re most concerned about.”

The preliminary results of a safety survey have shed some light on Ohio U. students’ anxiety about some dark spots on and near campus.

The Presidential Advisory Council for Campus Safety conducted a Campus Safety Perception Survey in April 2010 and lighting was identified as a concern, said Joe Adams, director of Environmental Health and Safety, in an e-mail.

During the past two years, OU’s Student Senate has voted on resolutions or listened to presentations regarding problems with campus lighting. Most recently, OU added lights to Emeriti Park on Oxbow Drive.

“Outside lighting on campus is definitely a concern, but it cannot necessarily be measured in numerical terms,” said Elizabeth Herron, an at-large student senator for University Life.

The main areas of concern include Jeff Hill and around Baker University Center.

“The primary area identified on campus was the area between Baker Center and Clippinger/Edwards Accelerator,” Adams said.

No specific amount of money is set aside to pay for improvements to outside lighting on campus, he said, adding that OU uses money from the general maintenance fund and other improvement projects for upgrades.

Baker Center and Jeff Hill are not the only places where students would like to see more lighting.

There are some areas “in deep South” that could use more, said Marissa Couto, a junior studying psychology.

“Overall, they do a pretty good job,” she said.

Good outside lighting does not always guarantee safety, however.

“Walking alone is a concern no matter how bright the lighting is,” Herron said.

OU reported seven forcible rapes in 2007, four more than the previous year, according to the most recent Clery Report. OU also reported 48 burglaries in 2007, compared to 45 in 2006.

The Clery Report, released annually, details the number of crimes committed on or near college campuses.

Increased outside lighting is not likely to have a significant impact on safety and crime rates, said OU Police Chief Andrew Powers.

“We strive to educate students and raise awareness about crime prevention and personal safety, as these methods are more likely to help students reduce their chances of becoming a victim of crime,” Powers said.

The advisory committee is still reviewing the results of the safety survey.

“A new lighting standard is being developed, and areas not meeting this standard will be upgraded,” said Adams.

Displays of stolen street signs and traffic cones have become a popular form of decoration for Ohio U. students’ homes and dorm rooms, but this adornment comes at a high price for Athens taxpayers.

Since 2005, almost 130 street signs have been stolen or vandalized throughout the city. This costs about $9,000, which comes out of taxpayers wallets, said Andy Stone, director of Engineering and Public Works.

“Sign vandalism and theft occur pretty frequently,” Stone said.

He estimates that at least two signs are stolen each month, with increased incidents during the school year.

OU seniors Taylor Brown and Shawn Grindle said they saw street-sign theft firsthand when passing through their housemates’ living room last year.

“It was a really flashy living room,” Brown said, referring to her housemates’ collection of stolen signs and traffic cones.

Although the number of recorded street-sign thefts is high, few people are caught or required to pay for the damages themselves.

“It is not often that we have cases of stolen street signs found in people’s houses,” Athens Police Department Capt. Tom Pyle said. “If we do find an Athens’ street sign in a house or catch someone stealing it, the possessors are usually charged with theft or possession of stolen property.”

The same holds true for street signs found in dorm rooms, OU Police Chief Andy Powers said. OU Police Officers usually find stolen street signs in dorm rooms while responding to separate incidents, such as underage drinking complaints, he added.

The Department of Engineering and Public Works owns all traffic control and street signs throughout the city, Stone said. The department purchases standard signs such as “Stop” and “Yield,” but manufactures more specific signs, such as street signs.

Unless a street sign is vital for drivers’ safety, the sign is not immediately replaced, but added to the department’s work order system to be reinstalled when deemed necessary, Stone said.

City street signs are the most commonly stolen because people want to keep them as memorabilia, Stone said, adding that since the Palmerfest riots of 2009, the “Palmer Street” sign has been stolen several times.

Although OU student Julian Stapleton did not mention stealing a sign from Athens, the sophomore studying theater said he did take a “No Outlet” sign from an alleyway on The Ohio State University’s campus for memorabilia.

He added that he transformed the sign into a coffee table for his dorm room.

Typical street signs, such as “Stop,” cost the city about only $80 to replace; but larger signs, such as highway signs, can cost the city $150 to $300 to replace, Stone said.

An $800 “Road Closed” sign was stolen from West State Street during an anarchist parade in Athens July 2007, Stone said, adding that city taxpayers had to foot the bill to replace the sign that barricaded the intersection of West State Street and North Court Street.

“Nobody wants to be a narc, but if you know someone who is going to steal a sign, advise them not to because it just costs the taxpayers (money),” Stone said.

“So if you steal a sign, you’re pretty much stealing from your fellow citizens.”

Athens County residents struggling to rebuild their lives after a tornado ravaged the area Sept. 16 will receive another $120,000 in disaster assistance through two programs that began this week.

Gov. Ted Strickland allocated $240,000 for Athens, Meigs and Perry counties Friday to jump start two programs that focus on rebuilding an individual’s life, not just their homes and possessions, said Amanda Wurst, Strickland’s press secretary.

“These programs are for anything that people might need because of the disaster,” said Nick Claussen, spokesman for Athens County Department of Job & Family Services. “(Residents) don’t have to use the money only for repairs.”

Athens County will receive $120,000 from the state, while Meigs and Perry Counties will acquire up to $60,000 each in disaster assistance, Wurst said.

Damage assessments conducted by each county’s Department of Job & Family Services determined how much is distributed to each county, she added.

The Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program is one funding source for residents. Applicants must live in Athens County and earn a household income at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, Claussen said.

For example, a two-person household would have to earn less than $2,429 per month. A four-person household must earn less than $3,675 per month.

Households could receive $300, $1,000 or $1,500 in assistance depending upon the damage to the residence, Claussen said.

This program is specifically for families in need, he added.

The other funding source is for elderly and disabled residents of the county. Fund recipients must be 55 or older with no minor children and earn an annual income at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, according to Job and Family Services news release.

Recipients could receive $300 or $750 in assistance for the property, depending on the amount of damage to their residence, according to the release.

Residents can apply for funds now through Oct. 22 or until the money runs out, Claussen said. Applicants must present their homes’ damage assessments to Job and Family Services. They will be notified within two weeks if they qualify for any aid, he added.

Job and Family Services conducted all assessments on homes damaged by the tornado within days of the touchdown, and will decide who receives aid and how much that would total within two weeks of the application’s submission, Claussen said.

“There’s a good chance the funding won’t cover everyone,” he said.

Although the funding will likely not cover everyone in need, there is no discussion about whether more money will be allocated to the county, Wurst said.

The provided aid will be useful for people in need, Athens County Commissioner Lenny Eliason said.

“This is for people who live below the poverty level,” he said. “They need all the help they can get.”

The Belles open up MIAA conference play Wednesday afternoon on the road against No. 15 Calvin College.

Saint Mary’s (2-8) secured its second win on Sunday with a 3-0 victory over Franklin. It was the Belles’ second straight home shutout but will face a challenge in taking on Calvin. The Knights come into the game with a 7-1-1 record and are the defending MIAA champions. Belles coach Michael Joyce said he knows his team will face a strenuous test on Wednesday.

“Calvin is a top-25 team, so that is a challenging conference opener,” Joyce said. “We’re going to have to work hard no matter who we play in our conference, so we’ve got to go out each game and look for points with either a win or a tie.”

Led by freshman goalkeeper Ashton Hearn, the Knights have only given up one goal this season. Saint Mary’s has given up 27. Calvin’s starting freshman Brittany Hieftje leads the Knights in goals and points.

Joyce said he understands the challenge that is ahead of the team against Calvin and the entire MIAA, but he said believes that his team has the potential to sneak up on a few opponents within the league.

“We’ll have to be at our best against Calvin and a few bounces our way won’t hurt either,” Joyce said. “I think we’re good enough to surprise one or two teams in our conference.”

The Belles will kick off their conference season against the Knights today at 4 p.m. at Calvin’s Zuidema Field.

After a third place finish at the Fall Preview in Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla., the No. 5 Belles will refocus their attention to conference play today in the third of four MIAA Jamborees. No. 12 Olivet will play host at the Medalist Golf Course.

Saint Mary’s coach Mark Hamilton said that there are distinct advantages to a quick turnaround such as this, as well as the more obvious disadvantages.

“After playing on a tough golf course this weekend, this course is going to look easier than it normally would,” Hamilton said. “We’re in the scoring mode right now.”

The Belles will have to recover quickly from a late arrival to prepare themselves both physically and mentally for today’s matchup. Saint Mary’s returned home from the trip south around 1 a.m. Monday.

“We had a long trip home,” Hamilton said. “It’s not a lot of time to prepare, and we haven’t gotten very much sleep. But college players are good at being able to work without a lot of sleep.”

After facing some of the stiffest competition around at the Fall Preview, including No. 1 Methodist U., Saint Mary’s has been able to elevate its play to that level. They will look to carry that high level into today’s Jamboree.

“[The competition] won’t be quite as tough,” Hamilton said. “Our main rival, Olivet, is the host, and we want to beat them more than the No. 1 team in the country.”

Methodist claimed the title Monday at the Mission Inn Resort, and No. 10 Illinois Wesleyan finished between them and Saint Mary’s.

Saint Mary’s was led once again by senior Mary Kate Boyce, whose cumulative score of 165 at the Fall Preview was good for fourth place overall and a key for the Belles’ top three finish. She will be the player to beat today as she is the reigning MIAA Golfer of the Week.

The Belles have only two more chances to place themselves in a good position for the MIAA Championships Oct. 8-9. Today’s Jamboree is crucial for the conference standings, which are determined by the cumulative score of each team’s performances in the four regular season Jamborees.

The Belles will tee off at 1 p.m. at the Medalist Golf Course hosted by Olivet for the third MIAA Jamboree.