Sports
Ohio Winless on Saturday in Bobcat Invitational
By: Alex Harrison
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Game 1
Four freshman in the starting lineup for Ohio gave the Bobcats a chance to show some talent but is didn’t produce a win against Florida Gulf Coast.
The Bobcats (0-2) fell in straight sets to the Eagles, 25-11, 25-22, 25-14.
Ohio had the lead only once in the match, coming and quickly going away in the second set. Ohio jumped to a 6-1 lead, forcing a timeout by FGCU that brought the Eagles back in the match.
FGCU got to within one when aces hit the Bobcats. FGCU’s Amanda Carroll struck two consecutive service aces to tie the game and then take the lead. The Eagles never trailed again.
The Bobcats mounted a mini comeback after a timeout and Lizzie Stephens almost served them back into the game, but then served them out after an error that gave the Eagles the 25-22 set win.
Twelve points were gained for FGCU on service aces- five in each of the first two sets. Carroll had half of the Eagles’ aces and a game high 14 kills. No Ohio player had double digit kills.
Jaime Kosiorerk led the Bobcats with nine kills but also seven errors. Freshman Katelyn Burke had 23 assists and Brooke Coleman added 17 digs.
Game 2
Saturday wasn’t for the Bobcats. After being swept earlier in the day by Florida Gulf Coast, the Bobcats again fell in straight sets (25-10, 25-11, 25-20) to Villanova.
Ohio was out of sorts everywhere on the court. The Bobcats struggled with poor passing, blocking and service return. Villanova put down eight aces, led by Ashley Knight with three.
The Bobcats failed to have a lead in the first set and only had a 2-1 lead in the second set before falling behind again. Ohio had two leads in the final set, but never by more than one point.
“It was a tough day for us,” said head coach Deane Webb. “I think both this morning and this evening we didn’t pass particularly well and I think that obviously initiates your offense.”
Allie Loitz torched Ohio for 16 kills, nearly matching the Ohio team total of 18. Jaime Kosiorek only mustered three kills, but true freshman Lizzie Stephens stepped up with an impressive team high of 11 kills.
Coach Webb was happy with how Stephens stepped for a strong opening weekend. Stephens drew similarities to Kosiorek in play and ability to step up as a new player.
“She had a really good weekend. I think it was what we hoped we would see from Lizzie. She has plenty things to learn, all freshman do.” Webb said.
Kosiorek acknowledged the work of Stephens and appreciated Stephens pushing the vets to work harder.
“I think this is the first year that we’ve had someone who has come in and challenged myself and Mal [senior Mallory Salis] for floor time.”
Ohio started the season 0-3 for the first time since 2012 and will look to break the seal and get a win against Marshall (1-2) at Marshall on Tuesday.