Then-freshman outside hitter Kylie Randall (1) delivers a spike against Michigan on Friday, Sept. 27, 2013, at St. John Arena in Columbus, Ohio. OSU won 3-1.
Credit: Mark Batke / Photo editor
Following its season-opening weekend in Oregon, the Ohio State women’s volleyball team is set to begin its home schedule later today with three matches over the weekend in the 9th Annual Sports Imports D.C. Koehl Classic.
The Buckeyes (1-2) are scheduled to play Auburn (2-1) at 12:30 p.m., followed by Florida Gulf Coast (1-2) at 7:30 p.m. The Buckeyes are then set to take on Southern Illinois (1-3) on Sunday at 2 p.m.
After starting the season 1-2, coach Geoff Carlston said he believes the team has had a good week of practice and has corrected some mistakes from the trip to the University of Oregon Invitational last weekend.
“We made a few changes on the defensive end that will be really helpful,” Carlston said. “So I’m excited to see the fruits of that labor.”
Carlston added that he expects to see more of a crowd Friday evening against FGCU than the early-afternoon matchup with Auburn. He added that when the crowd arrives later in the evening, they will give an advantage to his team.
With the Buckeyes playing on their home court, finding consistency, managing unforced errors and a defensive attitude lead Carlston’s three keys to victory.
After starting in her first collegiate game against Oregon on Aug. 29, freshman outside hitter Luisa Schirmer is set to play in her first home game at St. John Arena.
“I’m super excited to just be in this atmosphere, obviously never having played here before,” Schirmer said.
Against Oregon, Schirmer started in all three sets for the Buckeyes.
Sophomore middle blocker Taylor Sandbothe received all-tournament recognition in Oregon and hopes to follow that successful weekend with more success this time around.
“I hope to get similar accolades, that would be nice,” Sandbothe said. “But just carrying over intensity and making sure I can be a big leader for the team (will result in) some W’s this weekend,”
After the tournament, the Buckeyes are scheduled to play their next three games in Cincinnati at the Millennium Hotel Invitational hosted by Xavier University on Sept. 12 and 13. OSU is set to play Syracuse, Ohio University and Xavier in the tournament.
