Ohio volleyball pulls into tie for first in East division

by Laurel Scheffel
Staff Writer 

The Ohio volleyball team stretched its winning streak to eight games this weekend, prevailing on the road against Akron and Toledo.

"It's been really nice to see that we can continue to roll," Ohio coach Mike Lessinger said. "That speaks a lot for our bench and our depth."

The Bobcats (23-7 overall, 13-3 Mid-American Conference) defeated the Akron Zips (22-6, 13-3) in five games in JAR Arena on Friday to earn a share of first place in East Division standings. Prior to the match, Akron held a one-game lead in the standings.

With the win, the Bobcats notched a season series sweep against Akron after a similar five-game victory on Oct.26.

Gaining the advantage early in the match, Ohio won the first two games 30-28 and 30-26. But much like the previous match-up, the Bobcats then dropped the next two 26-30 and 28-30. The team bounced back with a .357 hitting percentage in the final game to win 15-8.

"We relaxed too much after winning the first two games, and they came out strong because they didn't want to lose in three," outside hitter Katie Smith said. "But we really stepped it up in the fifth game."

Ohio outside hitter Ashley Elliott led the team in hitting with a .450 percentage. Middle blocker Laura Hageman, coming off her third time as MAC East Division Player of the Week, recorded double figures in kills and digs with 20 and 22, respectively.

Defensive specialist Shawn Denham said defense was the key element for the Bobcats. Anchoring the defense was Smith, who earned a match-high 24 digs. She was one of five Bobcats to reach double figures in digs.

With their 22nd win, the Bobcats secured their place in Ohio volleyball history, breaking the previous record of 21 set in 1995.

Ohio added to that mark on Saturday, handing Toledo (10-18, 2-14) its 15th consecutive loss. Final scores were 30-24, 30-23 and 34-32.

Out-blocking the Rockets 14-3, the Bobcats also hit .383 as a team for the match, a season high. Ohio setter Briana Adamovsky posted a team-high .667 hitting percentage and delivered 34 set assists.

Hageman and outside hitter Holly Schetzsle added to the attack, earning 15 kills apiece and hitting .464 and .429, respectively. Libero Erin Fiene led the defense with 11 digs.

The victory kept Ohio tied with Akron, who also won on Saturday, defeating Kent State 3-1.

Ohio finishes the regular season next weekend on the road, meeting Buffalo (9-21, 1-15) at 7 p.m. Friday and Kent State (16-12, 9-7) at 7 p.m. Saturday.