Members of the OSU women’s volleyball team huddle during a game against Lipscomb on Dec. 5 in Lexington, Ky., during the 1st round of the NCAA Tournament. OSU won, 3-0.
Credit: Chris Slack / Lantern photographer
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Heading into a match against Lipscomb, Ohio State women’s volleyball coach Geoff Carlston had faced the Bisons once in his tenure at OSU, and won. Now he can say he’s 2-0.
The Buckeyes (22-11) swept Lipscomb (25-20, 25-14, 25-18) in the first round of the NCAA tournament Friday night, and now have less than a day to prepare for their next opponent.
“I thought we played great defense, which we knew we needed to do because they’re such a great defensive team,” Carlston said. “So it was a really good match. Obviously I’m really happy and excited we’re moving on.”
In the first two sets alone, the Buckeyes had 16 blocks total, while the Bisons (21-9) had zero. Sophomore middle blocker Taylor Sandbothe totaled for six in those two sets before finishing the night with 10, which is a career-high. Senior setter Taylor Sherwin tallied six total blocks, which was the second highest between the two teams.
Freshman outside hitter Luisa Schirmer led all players in kills with 12 and added eight digs. With this being her first NCAA tournament action, she said she was glad her teammates were behind her all the way.
“I (felt) full confidence with my team behind me,” Schirmer said. “And I think that’s a great attitude going into our next match.”
Senior outside hitter Erin Sekinger tallied 10 kills, which was tied for the second-most kills in the match.
Since the Buckeyes played at 5 p.m. on Friday in Lexington, Ky., they have a chance to scout their next potential opponent live.
“As a team we’re going to go and watch both teams, see what they do and how they play,” Sekinger said.
In addition to her six blocks, Sherwin had a game-high 32 assists on the night and added nine digs, while sophomore libero Valeria León had a game-high 17 digs and had the Buckeyes two lone service aces.
With a game-high 25 blocks, the Buckeyes are looking to carry over their defense into Saturday’s game.
“I think if we take our style of play that we played tonight into our next match, tomorrow night, I think that will help us and we can build from that,” Sekinger said.
Bison senior outside hitter Lauren Ford was the lone Bison to score double-digit kills with 10. Freshman setter Kayla Ostrom assisted on 28 of her teams 31 kills.
The Buckeyes are scheduled to play the winner of No. 13 Kentucky and the Horizon League champions Oakland. The match is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. at Memorial Coliseum.
