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[Adam Schlosser | WOUB]

Mistakes Plague OU Volleyball As Bobcats Fall To Toledo Saturday

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — After picking up their first win of the season against Toledo in their home opener on Friday, the Ohio volleyball team (1-12, 1-1 MAC) wasn’t able to build on its victory.  Mistakes at the most crucial times costed them the chance to go 2-0 in MAC in a three-set defeat to the Rockets (10-4, 1-1 MAC).

It was the Bobcats that came out hot in the first set, winning four-straight points to start the match. With a healthy mix of outside hitters in Olivia Margolies and Maggie Nedoma, the Bobcats were able to maintain their steady lead deep into the first set.

Ohio was two points away from securing the set with a 23-19 lead, but the Rockets kept constant pressure on the Bobcats to claw their way back. With two huge blocks coming from Rhyenne Filisi, Toledo caught fire at the right time, rattling off six unanswered points to take the first set by a score of 25-23.

The Ohio volleyball team huddles on the court during their match against Toledo on Sept. 25, 2021 at the Convocation Center.
The Bobcats huddle following a point in their match against Toledo on Sept. 25, 2021. [Darayus Sethna | WOUB]
Ohio looked to bounce back quickly in the second set and not let the Rockets’ energy get out of hand. Blocks by Caitlin O’Farrell and Maggie Nedoma temporarily put the Bobcats right back in position to go on a run, but as the set progressed, the common trend became unforced errors for the Bobcats.

Scattered service errors for the Bobcats and multiple service aces for the Rockets ended up being the difference as Toledo took the second set 25-21 giving the Rockets a two set advantage.

With the Bobcats’ backs against the wall and Toledo sensing blood in the water, the Rockets’ stars shined when called upon to get their team across the finish line. The x-factor of the third set for Toledo was outside hitter Taylor Alt.

Ohio simply could not find an answer for Alt as she controlled the left side of the court for much of the set. A few minor surges of energy from Ohio in an attempt to stay in the contest, but it was not enough as they were put in check by Toledo’s stout front line. The Rockets took the third set by a score of 25-21 to finish off the Bobcats in straight sets.

Coach Geoff Carlston thought that his teams’ energy wasn’t very consistent in the loss.

“I just thought our offense was a little sluggish,” Carlston said.  “No one played great.”

Ohio falls to 1-12 on the season as they progress into their conference schedule. The Bobcats have an opportunity to respond this Thursday as they travel to Ball State for a two-match series.