The Buckeyes’ (19-10, 10-7) closest set was the second, as their largest lead was three. OSU won the first and second sets by at least five points each (25-20, 28-26, 25-19).
Coach Geoff Carlston said winning that extended second set allowed the momentum to shift toward OSU going into the third.
“We weren’t playing well,” Carlston said. “That (second set) was a game changer. You lose that one and it’s a different night.”
Buckeye junior outside hitter Elizabeth Campbell led all players with 12 kills, while senior outside hitter Erin Sekinger added 10. Sophomore middle blocker Taylor Sandbothe had nine kills and junior middle blocker Andrea Kacsits had eight kills on nine total attacks.
Sherwin led all players in assists with 47. The Hawkeyes’ two setters — sophomore Alyssa Klostermann and freshman Kaylee Smith — each had 15 assists.
Hawkeye freshman libero Michelle Fugarino led all players in digs with 11, while OSU sophomore libero Valeria León led the Buckeyes with 10 digs.
Iowa freshman middle blocker Jess Janota, a native of Concord, Ohio, had seven kills and a dig for her team while freshman right-side hitter Taylin Alm led her team with eight kills.
Buckeye freshman defensive specialist Luna Tsujimoto said OSU’s effort at the net was key in getting the victory against the Hawkeyes.
“I think our off-blockers were doing really well,” Tsujimoto said. “They got everything up. That made a huge difference.”
OSU finished the match with six blocks as a team, compared to four for the Hawkeyes.
The Buckeyes are set to face No. 2 Wisconsin — which is on a 16-match winning streak — on Friday at St. John Arena. The contest is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start.
