Following the Ohio volleyball team's nine consecutive wins en route to a three-match sweep of the Mizuno Wildcat Classic last weekend, two of its members were named to the Classic's All-Tournament Team.Outside hitter Stephanie Blackburn and middle blocker Melissa Griffin were recognized for their efforts in a successful weekend for the Bobcats. Both averaged 4.11 kills per game over the two-day tournament. They played strongly and consistently
and we're going to need that coach Geoff Carlston said. I've been very happy with the way both of them have been playing so far this year.Griffin led the Bobcats with 17 kills in their 3-0 victory over Portland on Friday. Blackburn led the team with 14 kills in its 3-0 win over Liberty in the tournament finale Saturday.The pair has been expected to contribute a lot more following the loss of three letter winners to graduation.Their roles are much larger this year than they were last year Carlston said. As juniors
I've really challenged them to take on bigger roles. They have so much experience
and the expectations really grow for them. They've been expecting to continue to rise to it. The two players have been doing just that, by ranking among the top three Bobcats in kills this season ' Griffin leads the team with 66, and Blackburn is third with 56.Setter gets increase in playing timeAfter seeing minimal action in the season-opening AVCA Showcase, backup setter Jill DeArmond played in five games at the Mizuno Wildcat Classic, including all three games in the win over Portland. DeArmond had seven kills in the Portland match. She posted three kills in each of her other two games, giving her 13 for the weekend.The strength at the position is a luxury for Carlston. He stated that DeArmond and starting setter Savanah Parra are complementary to each other, but each setter has her own traits that are beneficial to the team.Jill puts up a bigger block and is a little more fiery
and there are times this team might need that
Carlston said. Savanah is very calm
which is also a good attribute to have.
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