Volleyball team hosts tournament

by Jenny Hugenberg
THE POST

The Ohio volleyball team will play host to the Bromley Invitational Tournament this weekend at The Convo.

The Bobcats (5-3) play their first game of the tournament at 7:30 p.m. Friday against Villanova (2-5). Ohio and Villanova have never met before.

"We cannot take this team lightly because of their record," outside hitter Amber Merrill said. "It will start to hurt us if we let up."

The Bobcats will face Maryland-Baltimore County (4-5) at10 a.m. Saturday.

Outside hitter Kris Whitfield said this will be one of the team's tougher matches this weekend.

"We've heard that UMBC is a good team," Whitfield said. "Everyone will need to step up for this game."

The team's next opponent is Southern Methodist (5-2) at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

"SMU is the best team coming into the tournament this weekend," Merrill said. "They will give us the most competition."

Coach Mike Lessinger said Southern Methodist had a victory against a talented Baylor team.

"They have had a difficult schedule so far and have been successful," Lessinger said. "SMU beat Baylor who are is ranked in the top 20."

Lessinger said all the teams are looking to end on a strong note this weekend before heading into conference play.

"We are all looking to be consistent in the preseason," Lessinger said. "There is some fine tuning that needs to be done, and we will all need to make adjustments as the weekend progresses."

Whitfield said the team with the best attitude will win its games this weekend.

Lessinger said Ohio has an advantage in mental preparation because the team plays at home.

Merrill said the team is more relaxed playing in its own gym and is excited for the first matches at home.

"We want to play well for our friends and family," Merrill said. "We want to win people over."

Lessinger said he is expecting some great play from many of the players this weekend.

"It would be great if Amber can maintain the level she started with this season," Lessinger said. "She had some awesome matches last weekend."

"The whole team just wants to compete. They will all play with effort and heart."

Other games in the tournament include Southern Methodist against Maryland-Baltimore County at 5 p.m. Friday, Southern Methodist against Villanova at 12:30 p.m. Saturday and Villanoza against Maryland-Baltimore County at 3 p.m. Saturday.