Ohio (7-14, 5-4 Mid-American Conference) travels to Muncie, Indiana, to continue MAC play against Ball State (13-8, 9-0 MAC). Ohio is currently on a five-game win streak, a far cry from how it started the season. The Bobcats look completely different and have been able to close out games in these past five wins, which has been the difference maker for this team.
In the past five games, Ohio has dominated the stat chart, leading in almost every category, and numerous players have made big contributions. The Bobcats have struggled more on the road though, with a record of 2-4, and they haven’t played a road game in over two weeks.
Ohio is currently the fifth seed in the MAC and is continuing to make a late season push to get into the MAC tournament. With the way that the Bobcats are currently playing, it looks very possible if they keep it up this weekend.
Game 1 Info:
Opponent: Ball State
Date and Time: Oct. 24, 6 p.m.
Location: Muncie, Indiana
Game 2 info:
Opponent: Ball State
Date and Time: Oct. 25, 4 p.m.
Location: Muncie, Indiana
Ball State has been the team to beat for most of the season in the MAC. Boasting an impressive 9-0 record in the conference, Ball State has been able to fly through the competition, with two wins over second seed Toledo and another two wins over the third seed Bowling Green. In what originally looked like a bad season for Ball State before MAC play, having a record of 4-8, it was able to more than recover the season and now sits atop of the MAC throne.
A stat to note is that Ball State is 4-3 at home, almost being an even .500. In a few of the wins, Ball State has also had to go to five sets, sets that Ohio has excelled at controlling during its five-game win streak.
Despite having those five set games, Ball State has been excellent at closing out two game series, as it has won six sets compared to opponents one in the second game of a two-game series. Both teams are coming in hot, and with Ohio wanting to make the MAC tournament and Ball State looking to keep its first seed, expect an exciting showdown.
Players to Watch:
Sophomore outside hitter Sierra Evans has been a huge catalyst during Ohio’s five game tear. She has been an invaluable presence up front, setting a career record for kills and leading the team in blocks against Eastern Michigan.
In the first game against Eastern Michigan, Evans was responsible for 11 of Ohio’s points. Evans has been a huge blocking threat, being able to jump high when compared to the net and strike the ball down, one of the many reasons she has been putting up stats at the net this season.
Another Ohio player to keep an eye on this weekend is junior outside hitter Gentry Brown. Brown had 28 kills last weekend in the two games against Eastern Michigan, while also being responsible for 30 of Ohio’s points. She also had 28 digs against Eastern Michigan. Brown has been a solid contributor all season and is expected to continue her stellar performance as Ohio looks for a much needed road win.
