The last time the Ohio women's volleyball team played a match in Athens was Nov. 5. Since then, the No. 21 Bobcats have traveled everywhere from the West Coast to the Northeast.
Tonight, the Bobcats will remain in the comfortable confines of The Convo and defend their 37-home-match winning streak ' the longest in the nation. They will face Mid-American Conference opponent Kent State.
Coach Geoff Carlston said he doesn't even know how long the streak is ' instead, he knows how to keep his team ready.
You have no idea how much these teams want to beat you
he told his squad earlier this week in practice.
Carlston said the team already knew that, but the tempo and the attitude of the practice jolted after that comment.
I have high expectations because teams are getting better and they are coming ready to play he said. I don't think our team is overconfident or we are taking anyone lightly. I just like to give the team a reminder of what is at stake when we aren't practicing as hard as we can.
While the Bobcats (10-3, 2-0 MAC) are pumped to be back home for a match, they are equally excited not to have to travel. Last week the 'Cats were in Buffalo, N.Y, and the week before that in San Diego, Calif.
Carlston said these road trips helped the team grow prepared for anything they would face on the road in the MAC, but now the Bobcats are ready for a supportive crowd.
We've been on the road for
not just on the road
but all over the place
real long trips
Carlston said. The players are fired up to be home and playing in front of a non-hostile environment.
The Golden Flashes (8-6, 1-1 MAC) come into town having won six of their last seven matches, their last win a sweep of Buffalo, a team Ohio beat 3-1. Last season, the Bobcats swept the Flashes in both meetings, but Carlston said he isn't looking forward to this match.
Kent is always a scary team because they are very athletic
and their coaches know what they are doing
Carlston said. They are a team that has a lot of potential and have some special players we will have to defend.
Tonight's match begins at 7 p.m. in The Convo.
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