Bobcats start uphill climb

by Blake Whitney
Staff Writer

With the Mid-American Conference volleyball standings in a jumbled mess, the Ohio Bobcats (5-13 overall, 4-6 MAC) control their own destiny.

Only eight teams qualify for the MAC Tournament in November. Ohio stands with the 10th best league record but is within one game of five MAC foes. With that in mind, the team spent the week trying to forget disappointing losses last weekend and prepared for this weekend’s matches at Ball State (13-6, 9-2) and Bowling Green (12-6, 5-5).

"We had a team meeting to focus on what we wanted to accomplish," coach Mike Lessinger said. "We realize that despite what happened in the past, we still control our own destiny."

Regaining focus and playing as a cohesive unit were key topics of discussion, opposite hitter Jessica Jones said. In a team meeting Lessinger struck a chord with the team,

"We tend to have talks, but I think this one hit us really hard," Jones said. "We figured out (when) we’re not playing well (it's) because we’re not becoming a team. I think it really hit people; I know it hit me hard."

Ball State, co-leaders of the MAC West Division, will be a tough out for the Bobcats, Lessinger said.

"Ball State is a very good team," Lessinger said. "But I think if we play our game, things will happen."

Saturday’s match at Bowling Green figures to be even. The Falcons are perched one game ahead of Ohio in the standings in the middle of the conference.

This weekend’s road trip is a chance for Ohio to improve its 1-11 record away from The Convo. The Bobcats wrap up a four-match road trip, before a five-game homestand beginning Tuesday.

"It’s definitely always a great feeling to play at home in front of a crowd," middle blocker Laura Hageman said. "We love having the home-court advantage."

Despite the gridlock in the standings, the Bobcats realize the only team they can control is their own, Lessinger said.

"We’re looking at raising the level of expectations in terms of effort," he said. "We're trying to be better thinkers out on the court."

Matches at Ball State and Bowling Green are at 7 p.m. tonight and 3 p.m. Saturday, respectively.