Ohio State’s women’s volleyball starting lineup stands together prior to the game against No. 5 Minnesota on Oct. 18., 2017. Credit: Rebecca Farage | Former Lantern Reporter
After dropping matches to both Tulane and Western Kentucky, Ohio State women’s volleyball came out with a win over Bowling Green to make it a one-win weekend for the Buckeyes.
Game 1
Tulane (8-3) jumped on Ohio State (4-5) quick, seizing the first two sets (30-32, 18-25), but failed to sweep when it dropped the third set (25-20) to the Buckeyes. The comeback did not generate enough momentum for the Buckeyes, as Ohio State proceeded to lose the fourth set (22-25).
This outcome was driven by a strong and distributed offensive performance from Tulane. Junior outside hitter Lexie Douglas, sophomore outside hitter Makala Heidelberg and sophomore right-side hitter Yvette Burcescu came together to collect 36 of the team’s 50 kills.
Ohio State countered with its own offensive power in order to win the third set. Freshman outside hitter Gabby Gonzales had 10 kills while sophomore right-side hitter Vanja Bukilic had 12 of the team’s 56 kills for the game.
Game 2
The Buckeyes took on Western Kentucky (9-1) Saturday and Ohio State dropped three straight sets (23-25, 20-25, 24-26) to the Lady Toppers.
The Western Kentucky offense proved challenging for the Buckeyes with 39 total kills, 15 of which coming from sophomore middle hitter Lauren Matthews.
The Ohio State defense, with 47 total digs, attempted to counter the power from the net. Freshman libero Kylie Murr picked up 18 of the team’s digs, but was unsuccessful in keeping the Lady Topper offense at bay.
Game 3
The weekend ended on a positive note for the Buckeyes, as they took down Bowling Green in three straight sets (27-25, 25-21, 25-16).
Finding its offensive groove, Ohio State pulled out 49 total kills –– 21 more than the Falcons.
Key performances from Ohio State junior outside hitter Mia Grunze and sophomore right-side hitter Vanja Bukilic, who combined for 25 kills, propelled the Buckeyes to their only win of the weekend.
Ohio State returns home this week to take on Miami (OH) Thursday at 6 p.m., before hosting the Buckeye Invite on Friday and Saturday against Dayton, Illinois State and Miami.
