The Ohio women's volleyball team is set to open Mid-American Conference play this weekend and begin defending its back-to-back MAC championships with two home matches. The Bobcats, who ended non-conference play with a record of 10-2, have earned an even larger target on their backs since last season after their recent accomplishments. Along with only losing one MAC game in two years, the Bobcats took over the nation's longest home-game winning streak, and it could grow to 31 with wins against Akron tonight and Buffalo on Saturday.
It's an exciting position to be in
setter Savanah Parra said. There is some great competition in the MAC this year - we want to do really well but we know we still have to play well and do the things we got to do.
Coach Geoff Carlston also said his focus is getting his team to fix its problems first and focus on the competition second.
We are putting together a game plan that will work against both teams this weekend but more of our focus is still on getting our business done
both on defense and our offensive sets
Carlston said. We are correcting some things that we did over last weekend
but we know we need to be aggressive and sharpen our passing and offense.
Adjusting to the pressure of being the top team might not be something new for most of the team, but for the freshmen, like middle blocker Amanda Andersen, it can be tough. It is a lot of pressure as an individual to know all the teams are gunning for us
Andersen said. But Geoff is a great coach. He has taught me a lot so far
and I feel up to speed
but it is exciting to come in and know you are playing for a great program.
The Bobcats will look to down Akron (5-7) tonight and extend the Zips' current losing streak to eight matches. Then Saturday, the Bobcats meet up with the Bulls from Buffalo with a record of 7-5. Despite the skid by the Zips, the Bobcats are not overlooking any opponent. We know Akron is a strong defensive team
so we have to be ready for longer points
Carlston said. They are a good defensive team and a scrappy team
