Over the weekend, Ohio exemplified greatness with middle blocker Melissa Griffin breaking the all-time kills record and outside hitter Stephanie Blackburn moving into second on the all-time digs list. Among all the hubbub, the Bobcats were still able to post two road conference wins against Miami and Bowling Green, extending their winning streak to 11.
Coach Geoff Carlston was pleased with Griffin's and Blackburn's play over the weekend.
They are the heart of our team
Carlston said. They are our captains for a reason.
The Bobcats (21-4, 13-1 Mid-American Conference) were able to avenge their only MAC loss in the last four years to Miami on Sept. 28. After dropping the first game Saturday night for the first time against a MAC opponent this season, they bounced back with solid play.
It comes down to making plays and staying focused at the end of the game Carlston said. I'm really happy with how we responded to win the last three games.
Ohio hit .247 and held Miami to a .198 hitting percentage. Also, the Bobcats dominated at the net, outblocking Miami 19-9. In the clinching game, Ohio hit .381, while Miami hit .222. Bobcats hand Falcons first home lossThe next day, the Bobcats gave Bowling Green its first blemish at home this season, sweeping the Falcons in three games.
The Falcons were able to slow Blackburn down by holding her to only four kills at a .125 hitting percentage. However, Blackburn displayed her versatility by still finding ways to contribute to the effort.
She finished the game with 10 digs, two blocks, and a career-high five service aces. Carlston said it's not her stats that matter, but the impact she has on the court.
She's the best competitor I've ever seen and that says a lot because I've coached a lot
Carlston said. She's a warrior out there. Freshman making impactOutside hitter Melissa Szkutnik is starting to emerge as a key, consistent player. She added five kills in both of the weekend matches, and only had one error against Miami. Carlston believes that she is learning from the strong leadership on the team. When she gets into it
she can do things that no one else can do
he said. Up the rankings againFor the fourth consecutive week, the Bobcats moved up in the CSTV/AVCA Top 25 poll. They moved up to No. 15, two spots lower than their highest ranking of the season.
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