Buckeyes host Labor Day Tournament; Scarlet finishes undefeated, Gray goes 1-3

Over the holiday weekend, the Buckeyes hosted the Labor Day Tournament to kick off the season. The tournament was comprised of two Ohio State teams, Indiana University, Purdue University, Michigan State University, Washington University in St. Louis, two masters teams in the Ohio Squirrels and Columbus Masters, and a high school team named Columbus Juniors.

The Scarlet team kicked off the tournament against Purdue University. With most of last year's starters returning this season, the Buckeyes came out aggressively and defeated the Boilermakers 15-5. Their second game of the day was against last year's Big Ten 3rd place finisher, Michigan State. It was a defensive battle that was tied 4-4 at halftime, but the Buckeyes would shut out the Spartans in the second half to win 8-4. The final game of the first day for the Scarlet team was against the reigning DIII collegiate club national champion, Washington University in St. Louis. The Buckeyes had to overcome a slow start, but would eventually record a 17-5 win. On Sunday, the Buckeyes were matched up with the 2017 Big Ten runner-up, the Hoosiers of Indiana University. The Buckeyes won 8-4 to finish the tournament undefeated.

The Gray team welcomed many new faces to the team in their first games of the season, where their chemistry improved each game. The Buckeyes started the tournament against the Columbus Masters, comprised of many former Buckeyes, and were defeated 1-15. Next up was the Indiana Hoosiers and the Buckeyes were unable to keep pace, falling 5-12. On early Sunday morning, the Buckeyes got their first win of the season, defeating Purdue 9-5. To end the tournament, the Buckeyes matched up with Columbus Juniors. After falling behind early, the Buckeyes couldn't close the gap and fell 8-12.

Next up for both Buckeye squads is the beginning of the CWPA Great Lakes division play. The Buckeyes will host Dayton, Xavier, and Miami (OH) for 10 games on the weekend of September 29.