Bobcats travel before tournament

by Jenny Hugenberg
THE POST

The Ohio volleyball team finishes its regular season travel tonight when they head to Morehead State to take on the Eagles.

This is the first non-conference match Ohio (18-10) has had since Sept. 16 when the Bobcats played Southern Methodist.

"This is a good breather for us," setter Michelle Gil said. "It is also good because it gives us some extra play before the tournament."

The last time Ohio and Morehead State (19-11) met was Sept. 4, 1998 when the Bobcats won 3-1.

"We expect some good defense from Morehead," coach Mike Lessinger said. "They have good defensive ball control, and I think that is what has given them their opportunities to win this season."

Lessinger said this was a good match for Ohio to pick up because it will keep Ohio fresh.

"This match will give us some extra momentum going into the tournament," Lessinger said. "It is good that we picked up this non-conference match."

The Bobcats return home to take on Marshall at 7 p.m. Friday at The Convo for their last regular season match before the MAC Tournament. A win against Marshall will allow Ohio to share the title of the MAC Eastern Division champions with Bowling Green.

"We have kind of lost our fire in the past week," Gil said. "Now we have one more chance to get it back before heading into the tournament."

Ohio plays in the first round of the MAC Tournament on Nov. 21. The location is still to be determined, depending on the final placing of the teams. If Ohio places in the top four the match will be at home. Otherwise, the Bobcats will be traveling for the first round.

"We need to do well in these next few matches," Gil said. "We hope to go out and win so we can get our momentum back and do well in the tournament."

The Bobcats play Morehead State at 7 tonight at Wetherby Gym in Morehead, Ky..