Sports
Ohio takes down arch-rival Miami in four sets
By: Joshua Hoerner
Posted on:
ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — “We need to win that match,” said Ohio head coach Geoff Carlston. “That’s a big match. So, we got to get ready for tomorrow.”
After falling to Ball State in five sets Friday, Ohio had a quick turnaround to face Miami on Saturday night. The Bobcats prevailed in a four set victory over their rival Redhawks.
Both teams had losing records in conference play entering Saturday. With the conference schedule over halfway completed, this contest became crucial for both sides.
Ohio didn’t waste any time to get the party started. The Bobcats jumped out to an early five to nothing lead and came out of the gate like they had a chip on their shoulder. A big part of this early lead, sophomore Kam Hunt, who had a block and a kill in the early going.
Ohio kept the momentum going throughout the set, leading 15-9 after the first break in the set. Miami was able to keep the lead within five but couldn’t get any closer than that.
The Bobcats took the first set 25-19. Hunt had seven kills in the set, including on set point. Ohio was quick to jump out on the Redhawks, who needed a response in the second set.
The second set was much different than the first. Miami was able to keep Ohio within striking distance early, only holding a two-point lead going into the first timeout.
The back-and-forth battle stayed the same throughout the set. In the crucial moments of this set, energy and emotion from both sides was notable, highlighting the intensity and passion of the rivalry.
The Bobcats led 20-16, Miami battled all the way back to 21-20, thanks to an Ava Francis service ace.
The score was 23-23 when a bad set by Hunt put Miami one point away from ending the set.
However, the Bobcats weren’t done yet. Another Hunt kill brought the score back to even. Then, it was time for another Bobcat to take over: Anna Kharchynska.
Miami wasn’t done just yet. For the first time in the contest, they held the lead in the beginning of the set. Eight to five Redhawks after the set’s first break.
Miami kept their feet on the gas and didn’t look back. A small comeback effort for the Bobcats wasn’t enough, as the Redhawks took the set 25 to 19.
The Redhawks kept the game alive, and it didn’t seem like they were going to go down easy in this contest.
The Bobcats bounced back in a big way to begin the set. After two serving aces from Hunt, Ohio led eight to four.
The Redhawks would go on a quick five to zero run in the middle of the set to bring them within one. Two solo blocks from Lydia Michelin were important to fueling Miami’s fire.
Neither squad could pull away from one another throughout, leading to a 24 to 23 Ohio lead with the game on the line.
Who better to turn to than Kam Hunt? Hunt put the game on ice with a kill to end the game 25-23.
For Ohio, Kharchynska led the way with 17 kills, Hunt following suit with 15. Elizabeth Hoerlein and Olivia Gardner each had seven. Bryn Janke and Chariti Mckeller each had 22 assists. Darbi Ricketts had 14 digs and Kendall Hickey followed with 11.
For the Redhawks, Chelsea Williams had 11 kills, Raegan Lantz finishing with 10. Gracie Norris finished with a game high of 37 assists.
After this contest, coach Carlston was very happy with how his team played.
“It’s very hard to defend [their style]. We hadn’t seen that,” Carlston said. “We got a good vibe. The culture of the team is great, we love to coach, and they love to be coached. They love each other, everyone in the locker room really cares for each other.”
Ohio will host Kent State on Tuesday in their ninth MAC contest of the season. Miami heads to Toledo to take on the Golden Rockets on Thursday and Friday.