Then-sophomore Martin Lallemand (6) hits the ball over the net at the game against George Mason on Jan. 18, 2019 at St. John Arena in Columbus. Credit: Ethan Clewell | Former Senior Reporter
Coming off a loss Friday, Ohio State men’s volleyball was defeated again Saturday, losing to Long Beach State at the Covelli Center.
The No. 15 Buckeyes (8-3) lost to the No. 5 49ers (7-1) in four sets (21-25, 20-25, 30-28, 22-25).
Down two sets to none, Ohio State’s attempt at a comeback began in the third set that went deep into overtime.
Long Beach State was up 28-27 before a Buckeye timeout, and Ohio State tied the score following a 49ers’ service error. Long Beach State didn’t score again, and the Buckeyes claimed their first and only set of the match.
“I think we did well offensively tonight. We could have responded a little bit better on the defensive side of things, but I am proud of how we played,” Ohio State sophomore middle blocker Ethan Talley said.
An untouched kill from Ohio State junior outside hitter Tyler Alter left the beginning score of set one tied at 2-2. But quickly Long Beach State took over the set with an 8-3 run before the Buckeyes took their first timeout of the night.
Long Beach State came away with the win for set one, with a final score of 21-25.
Ohio State’s junior outside hitter Martin Lallemand led the way for the Buckeyes with nine total kills by set two.
“We do rely on Martin. He’s the one that has to punch back and respond to our mistakes, and pick us up when we’re down,” Ohio State head coach Kevin Burch said.
But not even the best efforts of Ohio State’s leader in kills, aces and digs could save the Buckeyes Saturday.
Long Beach State sophomore outside hitter Spencer Olivier had an untouched ace that allowed the 49ers to take a four-point lead over the Buckeyes in set two, leaving the score at 8-12 before the Buckeyes took their second timeout of the night.
The 49ers took home set two with a final score of 20-25.
Long Beach State bested the Buckeyes in kills, assists and digs Saturday.
The Buckeyes will go on to host the Lewis University Flyers next Thursday.
