Ohio (2-4) continues its stretch of road games, this time travelling to Dayton, Ohio, for the Tru by Hilton Dayton Beavercreek Invitational. In this tournament, Ohio will face off against Ohio State (1-3), Pittsburgh (5-2) and Wright State (3-2).
Ohio still struggled in the Chattanooga Invitational, but it looked better than the week before. The freshmen continued to play very well, and Ohio’s Bailey Blair was named to the All-Tournament Team for the Chattanooga Invitational. The Bobcats will look to get their non-conference games back on track this weekend. Here is everything to know for this weekend in Ohio Volleyball.
Game 1 Info:
Opponent: Ohio State
Date and Time: Sept. 12, 3 p.m.
Location: Dayton, Ohio
This will be the second matchup between the Buckeyes and the Bobcats this weekend, with the other game happening in Columbus in Ohio Stadium.
Ohio State has started out its season rough, losing three games with no sets going in its favor. In the win it did get, it was a 3-2 victory with Ohio State barely making it out. Ohio State’s lone win is against a Mid-American Conference team, Miami, so that could be coming into play in its outing with Ohio.
With both teams coming off a loss heading into this game, both squads will be desperate for a much-needed win against an in-state opponent to get the starts of their seasons heading in the right direction again.
Game 2 Info:
Opponent: Pittsburgh
Date and Time: Sept. 13, 2 p.m.
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Pittsburgh has been insanely dominant this season. After starting off 0-2, it went on to win 5 straight and also capture the seventh spot in the NCAA Division 1 volleyball rankings. In the past five games, Pittsburgh has won 15 sets while opponents have only won two. This will be the hardest team that Ohio has played this season.
The Panthers have been on a roll to start this season, and the Bobcats will look to pull an upset against a top 10 opponent to get the first signature win of the Kenzie Brinkman era.
Game 3 info:
Opponent: Wright State
Date and Time: Sept. 14, 2 p.m.
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Wright State has been a very good volleyball team this year, besides its opening game against Western Kentucky, where it didn’t win a single set. The only other loss Wright State has is against No. 1 Nebraska. Despite having a winning record, all of Wright State’s wins have been by 1 set, with all of the scores being 3-2.
This is a team that has been in some battles this season, much like Ohio, and it will be key for the Bobcats to pick up a needed win in what should be a tight game.
Player to Watch:
Once again, Bailey Blair was a force to be reckoned with in her past few games, as she was nominated to the All-Tournament team for the Chattanooga Classic. She recorded 31 kills alone, and she was also responsible for 30.5 of Ohio’s points. Expect another great performance from Blair in this tournament.
