When coach Geoff Carlston took over the Ohio volleyball team four years ago, the Bobcats had not won the conference in over 35 years. Today, his team has won three straight Mid-American Conference regular season championships and is one win away from clinching its fourth in as many years.
Along with Carlston's arrival in Athens in 2003 were three freshmen that had no idea what they were getting themselves into. Setter Savanah Parra, libero Michaele Blackburn and outside hitter Jenna Gauhran couldn't have known what to expect going into their first season with the Bobcats.
Now with two matches left in the MAC regular season of their senior year, the three players have gone a ridiculous 70-1 in conference matches. With nine straight MAC Tournament match wins and the 61 regular season victories, the No. 19 Bobcats' success has reached a level that even Carlston never even dreamed about.
I don't think any coach in their right mind would think we'd go 70-1 over the course of four years
especially in a conference we hadn't won in over 35 years Carlston said. Four years ago we didn't plan on this type of record; we are blessed and I am thankful to have a good staff and great players that have bought into our idea for success.
Friday night the Bobcats will host Miami, and a win over the RedHawks would earn the 'Cats sole possession of the MAC regular season championship. Saturday evening Ohio will welcome Bowling Green to The Convo for senior night. For Parra, Blackburn, Gauhran and Janice Matacic, who joined the team last season, it will be the last time they get to play at on the court they have won 43 straight matches on.
Two wins this weekend would not only extend that home-court winning streak but would give the Bobcats a third straight undefeated season in the MAC. Over the four years, Blackburn has become Ohio's all-time career digs leader and is ready for her finale at home.
It's nice to prepare for such big matches with the last two being tough teams; to finish out our season undefeated would be amazing
Blackburn said. I know I will be excited for my last game in The Convo.Blackburn recalled the beginning of her first year at Ohio and awaiting directions from her coach.
I don't think any of us knew what would happen or what was going on
we just did what we were told and were on time when we did it
she said. When we started
we never thought of reaching the levels we have today.
With Parra's career at Ohio wrapping up, she hopes her season continues well beyond the MAC Tournament. She said though the season is reaching its final stretch, the team wants to continue improving as it prepares for postseason action.
Overall
this has been a great experience being part of this team; we are finishing up
and next year the girls will talk about us
Parra said. It is really cool and I hope we end on a positive note. We just want to work on getting better and using these matches to improve for whatever is next.
