With such a high-powered offense, it may surprise some that Ohio's defense has led the way so far.
Boasting elite Mid-American Conference talents like Ellen Herman, Meghan Simons, Michelle Jantsch and Sue Jacobi, the blocking and serving efforts put forth by the Bobcats have thrust them to the top of the conference.
Entering this weekend's matches against Bowling Green and Miami, two squads that have given Ohio fits in recent years, the Bobcats are ranked eighth in the NCAA in total blocks, averaging just under three per set(2.97).
The Bobcats boast five different players who have recorded at least 30 blocks this season (Simons, Jantsch, Jacobi, Jane Sytsma and Katie Post).
Averaging 1.36 blocks per set to this point (best in the MAC), Simons ranks 20th in the country in that category.
In a tough, four-set win at Buffalo last Saturday, Ohio stayed in the match at crucial points because of its defense - which recorded a season-high 17 blocks on the night.
(Two weeks ago) we had all phases of our game working
Ohio coach Ryan Theis said. I don't think that was the case (against Akron and Buffalo).
Our defense definitely carried us.
A young Bowling Green(7-11 0-4 MAC) team opens the weekend for Ohio and last year
the Falcons gave the Bobcats some trouble. They took a five-set showdown in Bowling Green a year ago
and the Bobcats returned the favor with a four-game win in Athens.
They're really young, so what we can expect from them is glimpses of really good play, and then mistakes, Theis said.
When they start really bringing it and playing well, you just have to weather the storm.
The rival RedHawks (8-8
3-1 MAC) round out the weekend on Dig Pink Night tomorrow at The Convo. Miami took the Bobcats into five sets last year in a crucial conference match
and with the win
the Bobcats knocked the RedHawks out of the top spot in the MAC East Division.
Post named defensive Player of the Week
After racking up 10 blocks in her last two matches against Akron and Buffalo
middle blocker Katie Post was named the MAC East Division's Defense Player of the Week Monday.
On the defensive side
Post is second on her squad with 48 blocks through 16 matches and also has 14 service aces.
Bump
set
