The Ohio volleyball team must win one more match to clinch its first Mid-American Conference East Division title and the No. 1 seed for the postseason tournament.
Standing in the Bobcats' way is Buffalo (10-16 overall, 4-8 MAC), a team that has had its share of upsets. The Bulls came from behind to beat Northern Illinois, 3-2, last weekend and Kent State, 3-2, on October 5.
Ohio coach Geoff Carlston said the Bobcats are, among other things, trying to stay healthy off the court and stay aggressive on the court in order to make that one final push.
We're trying to live the motto of staying aggressive
he said. That's what we've been all year and we really have to be focusing on that now as we get toward the end of the year.
Also standing in the way of a perfect MAC season is Akron. The Zips (13-11, 8-4 MAC) are three games behind Ohio (22-3, 12-0 MAC) in the East standings and have won seven out of their last eight matches.
Carlston said the road trip will be harsh, especially considering the lack of preparation time for either team. The Bobcats embarked on the seven-hour trip to Buffalo yesterday, less than 24 hours after beating Marshall, 3-0, on Wednesday. The coaching staff, however, does have an idea of what to expect during the matches.
They're two completely different teams so it's definitely going to be a big switch
Carlston said. When we go to Buffalo
they're a big
physical team - a little bit predictable
but playing good volleyball right now. And then you have Akron
who does all sorts of weird things - different types of defense
a lot of combinations
plays up the middle. But these ladies are used to it
and I think they take a lot of pride when they have to do weird stuff like that.
After this weekend's matches, the Bobcats have two more regular season matches - Kent State and Buffalo at home - before the MAC Tournament begins November 18.
The tournament format has changed. Now all 13 teams enter the tournament, but the top three seeds still receive a first round bye. If the Bobcats do clinch the No. 1 seed, they will move directly to Muncie, Ind. for the MAC quarterfinals on November 21.
But first thing is first, said Carlston, referring to the four regular season matches remaining. The Bobcats take on Buffalo tonight and Akron Saturday. Both matches begin at 7 p.m.
