Coach Ryan Theis' primary focus is on the crosshairs beginning tonight.
Volleyball coaches call the non-conference schedule the preseason for a reason - so much preparation goes into conference play in order to qualify automatically for the NCAA Tournament.
The Bobcats (8-4) suffered their first winless weekend of the season against Purdue and Illinois, but have the benefit of stellar all-time records against their first Mid-American Conference opponents.
But winning eight of 12 preseason games was a positive sign for Theis, whose team stands in good position entering the next phase.
We've played very good teams throughout the entire preseason
he said. We won a fair number of those matches and (another goal) was to make a statement with national recognition for our program.
Kent State visits The Convo tonight to open the conference season, and has had its share of troubles in Athens.
The Golden Flashes (7-7) are 22-35 all-time against Ohio, and were swept at home and on the road by the Bobcats last season.
The road sweep of Kent State jumpstarted the Bobcats' terrorizing run down the stretch, eventually leading to their fifth MAC title.
Kent, just 1-3 on the road so far, has struggled offensively with a .201 hitting percentage. Outside hitter Liva Brivule leads the Golden Flashes with 168 kills on 445 total attacks(.202).
Offense is widespread on the Kent attack because of their swing offense, in which players are constantly in motion causing the defense to stay off-balance.
It's a very fast diverse offense ... very unique
Theis said. Literally only four or five teams in the country use that style of offense.
You don't want to be moving your head all over the place. (Kent State) can make you crazy.
Like any opponent on the schedule
Kent's outside hitters will have to deal with Ohio middle blockers Jane Sytsma and Meghan Simons
who are quickly becoming one of the MAC's best defensive duos.
Sophomore Katie Post will likely join the blocking corps on occasion as well
Theis said.
Already 11th of 12 MAC teams in total kills
the Golden Flashes will have their hands full with the Bobcats
who boast the conference's third-stingiest defense and most total blocks.
We take as much advantage of our size in the middle as possible, Theis said. Jane, Meghan and (Post) are all 6-foot-3 kids with good, long arms for blocking.
We're almost at three blocks per game. Any chance we can take advantage of their size
we do
both offensively and defensively.
