Ohio

No. 9 Maryland women’s lacrosse vs. Ohio State preview

Published

12 months ago

April 12, 2025

No. 9 Maryland women’s lacrosse vs. Ohio State preview

Just three games stand between No. 9 Maryland women’s lacrosse (9-4) and the start of postseason play. The Terps have a short period of time to shore up their recent issues, all of which were evident in their last game.

Maryland’s second-quarter struggles loomed large throughout its four-game road trip, and that continued against No. 11 Virginia. The Terps conceded three five-goal second quarter performances, exceeding its total from the first nine contests.

Despite taking the lead early in the second quarter, Maryland surrendered five of the next six goals, handing the Cavaliers an advantage they wouldn’t relinquish. While the Terps’ offense mustered up just nine goals, Lauren LaPointe notched her third hat trick of the season.

Now, Maryland returns to College Park for a Big Ten clash with Ohio State on Sunday. The game starts at 1 p.m. and can be streamed on Big Ten Plus.

Ohio State Buckeyes (8-5, 1-5 Big Ten)

Head coach Amanda Moore inherited an Ohio State program trending in the wrong direction. The Buckeyes — who have made four NCAA Tournament appearances in their 29 years of existence — have gone nearly a decade without a national tournament berth. However, Moore comes with plenty of coaching experience, including two seasons as an assistant at Ohio State prior.

In her first season at the helm, Moore led the Buckeyes to a three-win improvement, finishing with an 8-9 record. Ohio State cruised through nonconference play, its lone loss coming to Denver — a tournament team. But the Buckeyes crumbled in Big Ten play, securing just one victory and finishing tied for last in the conference.

Ohio State matched its win total from last year just eight games into the season, marking the best start in program history. After climbing to No. 19 in the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association poll and earning a win in their Big Ten opener, the Buckeyes embarked on a five-game losing streak. Ohio State sits one game out of last place in the conference, ahead of winless Oregon.

Players to know

Brynn Ammerman, senior attacker, No. 10 — Last season’s team leader with 28 assists has taken her game to another level in her final year. Ammerman has solidified her role as the top facilitator, and is one of the best in the country at that. She has totaled the 12th-most assists per game (2.9), while also posting 15 ground balls and 12 goals.

Jocelyn Torres, junior goalkeeper, No. 36 — The Virginia Tech transfer has endured a stellar first season at Ohio State in a conference filled with plenty of talented keepers. Torres has thrived in the spotlight, grasping the starting nod instantly and leaving no doubt about it. Her 50.7% save rate is the eighth-best mark in the nation.

Lilli Sherman, senior defender, No. 41 — After appearing in just five games during her first two seasons, Sherman is now one of the key contributors on the Buckeyes’ defensive unit. The 5-foot-7 Michigan native has registered a team-high 21 caused turnovers — the sixth-highest total in the Big Ten — and corralled 17 ground balls.

Strength

Scoring defense. Ohio State’s shot blocking is much improved from last season when it allowed the most goals in the conference, and Torres is a big reason why. The Buckeyes have conceded the eighth-fewest goals per game in the nation at 8.8.

Weakness

Free-position conversion. While the Buckeyes’ offense has struggled at times this season, they don’t take advantage of their easy looks. Ohio State — who only scores 12.1 goals per game — has turned its 83 free-position shots into 31 goals, one of the lowest percentages in the nation.

Three things to watch

1. Senior day. Sunday’s game will give Maryland fans a chance to honor its six seniors: Sophie Halus, Celia Pell, Hailey Russo, Caroline Smith, Kate Sites and Chrissy Thomas. The Terps’ 2025 senior class has made a lasting impact on the program and will be looking to gain some steam for an extended postseason run.

2. Which goalie makes the biggest contribution? Head coach Cathy Reese has bounced around in net between starter JJ Suriano and freshman Julia Ward. In three of Maryland’s last four contests, Ward has seen extended action as Reese looks for a midgame spark. Suriano has reentered the game twice during this stretch.

2. Big Ten implications. After wrapping up its nonconference slate on Wednesday, the Terps turn their attention back toward Big Ten play. Maryland’s 3-1 record currently sits tied for second in the conference with No. 5 Johns Hopkins, only trailing No. 3 Northwestern — its lone loss during Big Ten competition.

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Ohio

Ohio Valley hospitals mark Donate Life Month with flag raisings, awareness events

Published

31 minutes ago

April 10, 2026

Press Room

Ohio Valley hospitals mark Donate Life Month with flag raisings, awareness events

BARNESVILLE, Ohio — Blue and green Donate Life flags are flying at several Ohio Valley hospitals this month as health care workers and supporters work to raise awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation.

WVU Medicine Barnesville Hospital hosted a flag-raising ceremony Thursday in honor of National Donate Life Month. The event aimed to raise awareness of organ, eye and tissue donation.

In addition to the ceremony, an educational table and a pinwheel garden will be on display at Barnesville Hospital throughout the month. The displays are intended to give visitors a chance to learn more about organ donation and to honor donor heroes.

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Ohio moves to undo Cincinnati’s conversion therapy ban | Opinion

Published

13 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Press Room

Ohio moves to undo Cincinnati’s conversion therapy ban | Opinion

A proposed Ohio law and U.S. Supreme Court decision could overturn Cincinnati’s ban on conversion therapy, raising concerns about the return of a discredited and harmful practice.

Ben Kelly
| Opinion contributor

Just over 10 years ago, Cincinnati City Council voted to ban conversion therapy in the city. For those who are unfamiliar, conversion therapy is a discredited practice aiming to “cure” patients of their homosexuality. This is at best useless pseudoscience and at worst a dangerous abuse of children.

It proved especially dangerous in 2014 when a transgender teenager in Cincinnati named Leelah Alcorn died by suicide, which she said was in part caused by the conversion therapy she was forced to endure. Conversion therapy is completely ineffective and has already killed at least one Cincinnatian. Unfortunately, many conservatives are arguing that the practice should be protected.

State Representatives Gary Click and Josh Williams have introduced a bill in the Ohio Statehouse that would ban cities from regulating conversion therapy, which would overturn Cincinnati’s ban and bring back this harmful practice. Even more broadly, the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Chiles v. Salazar seems likely to ban states and cities from regulating conversion therapy.

Turning back the clock

To be clear, these bans leave religious expression untouched. People can still speak out against homosexuality or say whatever they want about LGBTQ rights. These bans target therapy, not religious practices. I believe there can be sensible regulations on therapy to ensure that providers are not doing anything harmful to their patients, in the same way that there are regulations on what medical services a doctor can provide.

The actions by the Ohio GOP and the Supreme Court show that some want to turn the clock back and take away any rights that LGBTQ people have fought for over the past few decades. Gay rights opponents will try to soften their language and say they are just focused on transgender surgeries for minors or fairness in sports, but promoting this practice shows their problem is with gay people in general.

No matter how much you repeat it, you can not “pray the gay away.” Trying to force gay people back into the closet only results in tragedy.

Ben Kelly lives in Over-the-Rhine. A graduate of Northern Kentucky University, he works in government and is active in Democratic politics. Kelly worked with the National Suicide Prevention Hotline from 2019-2022.

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Two Republicans running for Ohio treasurer in the May 5 primary

Published

1 day ago

April 9, 2026

Press Room

Two Republicans running for Ohio treasurer in the May 5 primary

Ohio primary voters will send one of two Republican state treasurer candidates on to the 2026 general election.

Current Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague is term-limited and cannot seek reelection for the role. Former southeast Ohio state Rep. Jay Edwards and northeast Ohio state Sen. Kristina Roegner are both seeking the GOP nomination for the general election in November.

The winner of the May primary will face Cincinnati City Council Member Seth Walsh, who is running unopposed as the Democratic candidate.

Ohio’s primary election is May 5, with polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters also may cast their ballots early at the Franklin County Board of Elections, 1700 Morse Road.

The information below was supplied by candidates responding to a questionnaire. The Dispatch only edited responses for length or clarity.

Jay Edwards

Age: 36

Campaign Website: edwardsforohio.com

Background: Jay Edwards is a native of Nelsonville, Ohio, and a proud son of Appalachia. He earned a B.S. in mathematics from Ohio University, where he played football on scholarship. After college, he started a successful real estate company that he still manages today. At age 27, he flipped a longtime Democratic seat to become state representative for Ohio’s 94th District (2017–2024). He served as House Majority Whip and later chaired the House Finance Committee, where he helped pass a $3.2 billion tax cut and universal school choice. Term-limited in 2025, Edwards is now a Republican candidate for Ohio State Treasurer, committed to fiscal responsibility, opportunity, and supporting working families and businesses across the state.

Why are you the best candidate?: I combine proven fiscal leadership, hands-on experience managing state budgets, and a commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

A graduate of Ohio University with a B.S. in mathematics, I was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives at age 27 and served from 2017 to 2024. As House Finance Committee chair, I helped deliver a $3.2 billion tax cut for Ohio families and businesses, advanced universal school choice, and secured critical investments in infrastructure and economic development.

What new initiatives would you bring to the treasurer’s office?: As Ohio treasurer, I will modernize the office and restore taxpayer trust through targeted initiatives.

First, I will upgrade the Treasurer’s office from its outdated 1970s-era ACH system to 21st-century technology. This will improve efficiency, security, and speed while making all state financial transactions more accessible.

I will enhance the Ohio Checkbook program to make it even simpler and more user-friendly, so every Ohioan can easily see exactly where their tax dollars are spent — bringing real transparency and accountability back to government.

To support public safety, I will launch a Link Deposit program that prioritizes state deposits with financial institutions committed to backing first responders. In our largest cities, where respect for police and law enforcement has eroded, this program will strengthen partnerships that keep our communities safe. If cities refuse to support the police and public safety, then it is time for the state to step up.

These practical steps — modernization, transparency, and support for those who protect us — will ensure Ohio’s finances work efficiently and earn the trust of every taxpayer.

What changes, if any, would you make to Ohio’s investment in Israel bonds?: As Ohio treasurer, my decisions on investments, including Israel bonds, will be guided solely by what is best for Ohio taxpayers — prioritizing safety, liquidity, and return.

I am troubled that too many entities are divesting from Israel bonds for purely political reasons. These bonds have a strong track record of low risk, reliable repayments, and competitive returns that benefit Ohio’s portfolio.

Without access to the current detailed portfolio data, I cannot commit to specific adjustments today. However, any changes would be based strictly on financial merit, not politics.

I have long stood as an ally to the Jewish community. The recent dramatic rise in outright hatred toward Israel and Jewish people is sickening and must be rejected. Ohio should continue to make prudent investments that deliver strong value while upholding fiscal responsibility.

What role should AI play in the treasurer’s office?: As Ohio’s next treasurer, I believe AI should serve as a powerful efficiency tool — not a replacement for human oversight or taxpayer accountability. In the treasurer’s office, AI can analyze investment portfolios in real time to maximize returns on state funds, detect fraud in unclaimed property claims, streamline cash-flow forecasting, and automate routine back-office tasks. These applications will cut administrative costs, reduce waste, and deliver better results for Ohio taxpayers without growing government.

Every AI use must include strict human review, ironclad data security, and full transparency so citizens can see exactly how their money is being managed. We embrace innovation to strengthen fiscal responsibility — never to expand bureaucracy. Responsible AI will help us protect and grow Ohio’s financial resources while keeping decision-making firmly in accountable hands.

State Sen. Kristina Roegner

Age: 57

Campaign website: kristinaroegner.com

Background: I’ve built my professional career on financial oversight. After earning a Bachelors of Science in mechanical engineering from Tufts University and a MBA in finance from the Wharton School of Business, I worked for Westinghouse and subsequently McKinsey & Co, where financial discipline and results were paramount. Starting my service in elected office on Hudson City Council, I went on to serve eight years in the Ohio House and am currently completing my eighth year in the Ohio Senate. As the chair of the General Government Committee, I am steadfast and laser-focused on protecting taxpayers and ensuring responsible, conservative decision making.

Why are you the best candidate?: The treasurer is a role where background, expertise, and integrity matter. Having earned my MBA in finance combined with experience in management consulting, I am by far the most prepared candidate for this role. I served with integrity during my 15 years in the legislature, and earned a reputation for being above reproach. I am grateful to have the endorsement of every single member of leadership in the Ohio House and Ohio Senate as well as a supermajority of my Republican colleagues in both chambers. Notice: these leaders from across Ohio – who have worked alongside both me and my opponent – they know us both and endorse my candidacy.

I have been consistently loyal to our Republican principled conservative ideals. I have a reputation for working hard and getting things done. My legislative accomplishments can attest to that. I was always faithful and never censured; never associated with any corruption scandals.

I’m the best choice to be Ohio’s next treasurer because I bring the right mix of real-world experience, proven leadership and financial stewardship. I’m respected by my colleagues in Columbus and voters across Ohio. I am guided by faith and driven to serve.

What new initiatives would you bring to the treasurer’s office?: As treasurer, I will strengthen oversight and internal controls to ensure every dollar is tracked, protected, and used as intended. With cyber-attacks on the rise, I will prioritize best-in-class cybersecurity defenses for the treasurer’s office.

I will also proactively reunite Ohioans with their unclaimed funds by moving administration from the passive Department of Commerce to the Treasurer’s office. Legislation to achieve this (HB480) is already moving forward. Once in place, I will streamline the claims process and proactively match citizens with their money.

Ohioans deserve full transparency with their tax dollars. I proudly supported HB175 in 2013, which created www.ohiocheckbook.com. I will expand this to include municipalities and schools by supporting pending legislation (HB413) and implementing it as treasurer.

As chief investment officer, I will maximize conservative, safe returns to generate additional revenue to help minimize tax burdens on Ohioans.

What changes, if any, would you make to Ohio’s investment in Israel bonds?: The Israel bonds currently held by the Ohio Treasurer’s office are all investment grade, as is required. It is my understanding that they are one of the best returning investments in the portfolio and they have never defaulted on a payment. From a risk-return perspective these assets have performed very well. Every Ohio State Treasurer over the last 30 years – both Republican and Democrat – have invested in Israel bonds. Interestingly, these Israel bonds only mature to the “purchaser of record,” meaning Ohio must hold them to maturity. Going forward, I would consider differing maturities for Israel bonds; shorter maturities would provide Ohio more flexibility with liquidity.

What role should AI play in the treasurer’s office?: AI should be a tool to strengthen sound financial stewardship, but should not replace responsible human supervision of taxpayer dollars. In the treasurer’s office, AI can enhance fraud detection, improve reporting in Ohiocheckbook.com, and enhance cybersecurity by quickly spotting threats. Used responsibly, it can analyze investment data to support better decision-making within conservative guidelines. That being said, any use of AI must prioritize data security, transparency, and accountability, ensuring taxpayer information is protected and decisions remain in the hands of humans.

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