Freshmen rarely have an impact like Ellen Herman had a year ago. While there are no freshmen of her caliber in this year's class, the three first-year players have proven to be a valuable asset in Ohio's brutal schedule.
We've always had one or two freshmen make a big impact on the team
coach Geoff Carlston said. Ellen is a special case coming in and doing what she did last year. She's a great role model for our freshmen this year.
Last weekend in the Shamrock Invitational, freshman setter Michelle Jantsch helped the Bobcats win the tournament and was named to the All-Tournament Team. In the Bobcats' victory over Notre Dame, Jantsch recorded a team season-high 59 assists, seven kills and eight digs.
Janstch said her older teammates have treated her like a part of the team from the beginning.
It's been an amazing feeling Janstch said. The upperclassmen make you feel equal and that everyone has a role on the court.
Carlston echoed Jantsch's sentiments that the upperclassmen did a good job welcoming the freshmen into the program.One of the things I'm most proud of with this team is the unique connection between our older players and our younger players he said. That's not always the case and I know that for a fact. There's a great deal of mentoring going on and it's not easy when you're talking about playing time.
First-year outside hitter Sue Jacobi has also made an early impact for the 'Cats, helping Ohio take down top-10 power Minnesota with a .312 hitting percentage.
Sue really stepped up against Minnesota
Carlston said. She's going to be a phenomenal player as she gets more experience.
Travel alters 'Cats schedule
For the entire month of September, the Bobcats will play away from the Convocation Center in a variety of tournaments against many of the nation's top teams.
Carlston said he alters his team's practice schedule throughout the week to compensate for the travel and difficult opponents.
Our practices during the week have had to go a little lighter
he said. We don't want to be getting to the point where we are overtraining and have nagging injuries that make us not 100 percent.
Carlston added that once classes begin, the Bobcats' entire routine changes.
When you talk to any coach
as soon as school starts
(training) becomes a whole different deal
Carlston said. We have to make sure we are taking care of our business and dealing with stress management.
Ohio falls in poll
With the defeat to Alabama over the weekend, the Bobcats fell from No. 13 to No. 17 in the CSTV/AVCA Division I Coaches Poll. Ohio has been ranked for 31 consecutive weeks.
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