Sports
Ohio Volleyball: Bobcats Sweep Central Michigan in Second Game of Doubleheader
By: Max Brunke
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) – The Ohio Bobcats finished off their Saturday doubleheader with a thumping win over the Central Michigan Chippewas. After a town-wide power outage moved the Bobcats’ Friday matchup, the girls took the court for the second time in a day to avenge their five-set defeat from the morning.
The Bobcats got off to a hot start in the first set and carried that momentum to a dominant 25-15 win. Senior Tia Jimerson was the key to taking the first set, with crucial kills that drove the confidence of the team.
“She’s the alpha female. She’s the kid who’s going to go out there and drive the team. She’s imposing and she’s learned a great deal.” Ohio coach Deane Webb said.
Beyond the seniors, the team looks for confidence in Webb, and she dishes it like free mints at a restaurant.
“We feel that we have a number of really gifted setters,” Webb said. “I’m really proud of that position group as a whole.”
The statistics back Webb’s claim, as the Bobcats finished with an impressive .354 hit percentage. The likes of Jimerson and junior newcomer Mariana Rodrigues will be pleased with this performance from their counter-parts, as the efforts secured a 3-0 sweep.
Rodrigues ended the game with 11 kills and a .321 hit percentage, an impressive feat for who hasn’t played for the Bobcats prior to the double header.
“I feel like we just kind of had a good energy and we just wanted to beat them.” Rodrigues explained. She’s an excellent addition to the team, taking a season record of assists with 1,090 at Indian Hills Community College last season.
After having their matchups with Eastern Michigan January 28-29 postponed, the Bobcats will get extra practices this week before travelling to Akron and continuing league play.