Ohio (11-6 overall, 4-2 Mid-American Conference) is back at The Convo this weekend with a prime opportunity to rebound from last weekend’s 0-2 finish at Bowling Green. The Bobcats are set to host Ball State University (12-5 overall, 3-3 MAC), a competitive foe that will provide Ohio with two opportunities for quality wins.
This two-game slate creates a matchup of two teams fighting for stronger positions in the MAC standings, where the Bobcats and Cardinals are separated by just one game. Ohio’s 4-2 record narrowly trails Bowling Green’s second place mark of 5-1, and also puts it in a tie with Miami. One spot below, Ball State is also in a tie with Western Michigan at 3-3.
Considering that tightness and parity atop the MAC standings, this weekend’s doubleheader will be a valuable opportunity for both teams at the midpoint of conference play.
Doubleheader Information
Opponent: Ball State Cardinals
Location: The Convo
Times: Friday at 6 p.m. & Saturday at 4 p.m.
Watch: ESPN+
Follow live stats here
Player Spotlight
Ohio: Olivia Gardner, senior middle blocker and opposite hitter, is quietly an unsung hero for Ohio. While Gardner’s stats may not jump off the sheet every match like those of some of Ohio’s hitters’ do, her steady production on both sides of the ball is something the Bobcats can always bank on.
Gardner has recorded 108 kills and a team-high 40 blocks this season. Her ability to be Ohio’s defensive leader and also make a prominent impact offensively will continue to be a valuable component of Ohio’s potential success this weekend.
Ball State: The Cardinals’ offense runs through junior outside/opposite hitter Ava Smith. She currently holds the MAC’s fourth highest kills per set mark at 3.58, which translates into an eye-popping 215 total kills for Smith.
Smith’s prowess above the net could surely be a major component in Ohio head coach Kenzie Brinkman’s gameplan as she aims to slow down Ball State’s offensive leader.
Weekend Outlook
The Bobcats are eager to get back in the win column against Ball State after their 0-2 series at Bowling Green last weekend that soiled the seven-game win streak they had been riding. While being back in The Convo should benefit Ohio’s chances to leave the weekend successful, these matches will be no easy tests.
The Cardinals will not go down easily, especially considering the fact that they are in a similar place to Ohio in the MAC standings, hopeful to move up that ladder. Ball State also has a pair of very impressive wins under its belt, as it took down two high-major foes in Notre Dame and Xavier earlier this season.
Between those high-level wins and the Cardinals’ 12-5 record, they are no slouch and could give the Bobcats a real run for their money this weekend. This weekend’s doubleheader should be highly competitive as both Ohio and Ball State look to break their respective ties in the MAC standings and secure sustainable positioning.
@JackMuldowney1
