Sports
Ohio volleyball secures a hard-fought victory over Kent State
By: Cameron Young
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — The Ohio volleyball team took its fourth win in a row to advance 5-4 in MAC play after going winless in a tough non-conference schedule. The Bobcats are catching their stride and beginning to play with confidence as they are officially half-way through conference play.
The Kent State Golden Flashes traveled into Athens on Wednesday afternoon for a single game against the Bobcats. This one came down to the wire as it was decided in a fifth set, where the Bobcats (5-15, 5-4 MAC) took the victory over Kent State (9-12, 4-5 MAC) by a score of 15-11.
There were plenty of mistakes to go around tonight on both sides of the court. It was a back-and-forth battle in all five sets. Neither team played perfect throughout the entire match. Ohio head coach Geoff Carlston acknowledged that it took a complete effort in order to come away with an ugly victory.
“We had to grind tonight. It was not an easy match,” Carlston said. “When you go through and get banged up in the preseason, you enjoy the wins more.”
The Bobcats racked up 65 on the kills tonight as well, with 55 of them coming on assists from setter Tria Mclean. The reigning MAC Setter of the Week set her own personal record at Ohio with assists in this match. Mclean was crucial in the offensive attack for the Bobcats, but she gives credit to the teammates around her for the individual success that went into the night.
“My job would not be possible without my passers and my hitters,” Mclean said. “It felt so good to win that as a team.”
Despite what their non-conference record showed, the Bobcats are not surprised that they are on a four-game win streak. Fifth year outside hitter Maggie Nedoma pointed out that there has been no lack of hard work for the Bobcats throughout the season.
“Everyday we’ve came in here ready to play and it’s just finally now paying off for us.” Nedoma said.
There is no break for Ohio after the victory. The Akron Zips travel to Athens Friday and Saturday as the Bobcats will look to maintain their win streak. With sole possession of second place in the MAC East, the most important volleyball of the season for the Bobcats is yet to come.