After winning two of three matches at the Coca-Cola/Michigan State University Invitational last weekend, the Ohio volleyball team will hit the road this weekend to participate at the Furman Invitational.
The Bobcats will first face Jacksonville at 7 p.m. Friday. The Dolphins, who finished last season with a record of 15-14, have yet to play this season. Their first four scheduled matches were cancelled because of Hurricane Frances.
We don't know anything about Jacksonville
coach Geoff Carlston said. All the teams we're playing this weekend seem to be pretty scrappy.
On Saturday, Ohio will square off against Mercer at 10 a.m., and then play host to Furman at 5 p.m. Both teams are 2-2 this year, while the Bobcats come to town with a 3-1 mark.
While setter Briana Adamovsky said the competition Ohio will face is not as stiff as last weekend's teams, she stressed that the team needs to play well.
We expect to be the dominant team Adamovsky said. But we're facing good teams and we're focused on playing our game.
Carlston said that the team is not looking ahead to next week's matches against nationally ranked Colorado State and Pepperdine. He said Jacksonville, Furman and Mercer are experienced and dangerous.
We're focused on Jacksonville
Carlston said. We will not overlook anybody this year.
Outside hitter Katie Smith said the team has focused on its defense this week in practice.
We're really working on our blocking and our defensive game
Smith said. We're trying to pick that up this weekend.
Carlston said this weekend's competition will force the team to adjust.
They do some things we'll have to counter against defensively
he said.
Adamovsky said this weekend can help set the tone for next week's important matches.
This weekend will be a good way to build confidence
she said. Playing well will help us.
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Mike Stafford
