Ohio (11-4 overall, 4-0 Mid-American Conference) is back on the road this weekend as the team travels to Bowling Green State University (11-4 overall, 3-1 MAC) for a two-match slate. The Bobcats are rolling into these matches on a seven-game win streak they hope to build while also aiming to stay undefeated in MAC play.
This doubleheader will pit two of the MAC’s top teams against each other. Ohio is currently in a tie for first place in the conference due to its perfect 4-0 start, while Bowling Green trails is in second place with a 3-1 conference record.
Doubleheader Information
Opponent: Bowling Green Falcons
Location: Stroh Center (Bowling Green, Ohio)
Times: Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 6 p.m.
Watch: ESPN+
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Player Spotlight
Ohio: Rose Mahin, freshman outside hitter, is a star on both sides of the ball for the Bobcats. Through 15 matches this season, she tallied 129 kills, which ranks second on Ohio’s roster. Mahin also currently holds 13 blocks on the season.
Mahin is coming off a stellar 17-kill match in Ohio’s win over Akron last Saturday, a performance that propelled the Bobcats toward their second straight win of the weekend. Her front-line presence both offensively and defensively should benefit Ohio’s efforts this weekend as the team looks to remain undefeated in the MAC and Mahin aims to continue her strong freshman season.
Bowling Green: Senior setter and right-side hitter Amanda Otten displays her versatility in every one of the Falcons’ matches. Her 489 assists this season rank third in the MAC in that category, and as both a setter and hitter, she has also tallied a respectable count of 37 kills.
Otten is the main catalyst who sets the table for Bowling Green’s hitters to finish kills above the net, and her lofty assist numbers have translated into the Falcons being ranked third in the MAC in total kills. Her playmaking skills could lead Bowling Green’s efforts this weekend against Ohio.
Weekend Outlook
Ohio has been tremendous at home this year with a 5-0 record at The Convo. Playing on the road, however, has been somewhat of a disadvantage for the Bobcats as they are 3-3 in those matches. This road trip is a key opportunity for Ohio to change that narrative if it is able to stay undefeated in conference play with two wins on the home court of one of the MAC’s top teams.
Bowling Green is no slouch at home, as it holds a 5-2 record on its home court this season, and will be eager to expand upon that mark with an opportunity to jump Ohio in the MAC standings. The Falcons are also coming off a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Kent State that they will be looking to rebound from this weekend.
This weekend’s matches at Bowling Green should be two of the Bobcats’ most intense of the season, as they have a chance to remain in a tie for first place in the conference. If Bowling Green is able to come away with two wins, though, it will overtake Ohio’s share of first place. Stakes are high for the Bobcats this weekend, but pressure builds diamonds.
@JackMuldowney1
