Sports
Gilleland Leads Bobcats Past Kent
< < Back to gilleland-leads-bobcats-past-kentAbby Gilleland recorded her first career triple-double as Ohio toppled the Kent State Golden Flashes, 3-1 (25-11, 18-25, 25-21, 25-22), in both teams’ first Mid-American Conference match of the seaon.
After a dominating first set win, the Bobcats (8-4, 1-0 MAC) found themselves down 13-3 in the second set. From there, the Ohio offense worked to cut the lead behind junior setter Abby Gilleland, who kept the Kent (8-6, 0-1) offense on their toes with her swings. The ‘Cats cut the lead to 20-15, but that was the closest they would come as the Golden Flashes rolled to a second set victory, over the now-frustrated Bobcats.
“When you come out and play extremely well in the first and struggle to keep it going in the second emotions run high, and that’s something we need to work on,” Gilleland said. “I think it’s important to calm ourselves down, play our game and try not to let the outside factors affect us.”
Gilleland’s performance appeared unphased by anything in the match as she recorded 11 kills, 15 digs and 40 assists for her first triple-double in green and white.
“I try to do what I can,” she said. “ I’ve had success with Kent State being aggressive at the net in the past, so I took advantage of it when I had the opportunity.”
The Bobcats also had strong net play from outside hitters Jaime Kosiorek and Kelly Lamberti, who each posted 13 kills on the night and helped keep Ohio at a high intensity level throughout sets three and four. There were 12 ties and six lead changes in the third set, but it was ultimately the Bobcats who powered through errors to win the race to 25.
“I think we learned that we can win when we’re not playing well if we work hard,” said coach Deane Webb.
The fourth set had an uneasy start as the Bobcat offense had some miscommunications, allowing KSU to jump to a 9-3 lead. Ohio battled back to tie the game at 11 fueled by Chelsea Bilger and Kosiorek, who combined for six kills and a couple blocks in the set.
“It’s huge for us,” Kosiorek said about the win. “We have high goals for our team and the rest of the season and hopefully winning the MAC. This win was big for us, and we got it. A win’s a win, not matter how you get it.”