Janice Matacic will not forget how she felt after her team's defeat to Miami anytime soon.
With the Bobcats losing in Mid-American Conference play for the first time in 64 matches and falling at home for the first time after winning 47 straight, the defensive specialist said it's important to move past the loss while keeping the rare feeling of defeat in the back of her mind.
I definitely never want to have that feeling again
she said. It's one of those things that was awful. We are going to do everything in our power to never let that happen again.
Coming off their first MAC loss in almost four years, middle blocker Amanda Andersen said the loss proved to be a learning experience.
We are definitely practicing on small errors like not letting the ball hit the floor she said. I really think (the loss) put the hunger back in us and really taught us a big lesson.
Following its defeat to Miami Friday, No. 21 Ohio (11-4, 3-1 MAC) rebounded to top its chief rival, Bowling Green, 3-0 Saturday. In the match, coach Geoff Carlston moved Matacic from her normal role as defensive specialist to the libero position.
We need someone to step up consistently
Carlston said. Janice solidified some things for us at that position and she did a good job.
Matacic said fellow defensive specialist Molly Mangan helped her adapt to a position that she was unfamiliar with.
I haven't really played there that much
but it's nice because Molly and I support each other so much with whoever is in what position
she said. If there is something I am uncomfortable with
she'll help me out and we'll talk about it and figure things out.
For the first time this season, the Bobcats will play a match on a Thursday, a change from matches on Friday and Saturday each weekend. Tonight, Ohio travels to Kent State (12-5, 3-1 MAC), a team that stands tied atop the MAC East standings with the 'Cats.
We need to stay focused because we're that team that has the target on our back
outside hitter Ellen Herman said. Having that loss against Miami makes us even more vulnerable against other teams because they even want us more knowing that another team beat us.
One advantage the Bobcats will look to utilize against the Golden Flashes is their height advantage up front with their middle blockers. The top three hitting percentage leaders in MAC play are Ohio middle blockers Melissa Griffin (.495), Meghan Simons and Andersen (.436) and Jane Sytsma (.420).
We call ourselves 'the bigs'
Anderson said. We're tallest in the MAC and obviously it's an advantage.
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