Despite three tightly contested sets, Ohio extended its winning streak against Kent State to 21 consecutive wins in Mid-American Conference play Thursday at The Convo.
The Bobcats (7-8, 2-1 MAC) and Golden Flashes (4-11, 1-2) began the opening set trading points for the majority of the set, but Ohio broke the tie at 18 to finish the game on a 7-1 run.
After winning the first set, the teams played close second set that was decided by just two points, 28-26.
Ohio led 19-16, but Kent State closed the lead to eventually tie the set, as neither team led by more than two past that point. Although the Bobcats were the first team to 25 points, the game was not yet decided, as Kent trailed by only one.
“I liked that we came from behind in game two,” said Ohio coach Ryan Theis. “We were put in some tough spots in that game, but we were able to bounce back. I was happy to see us step up and make plays to be able to secure that game.”
Ohio completed its straight-set victory by holding off a Kent State comeback at the end of the third set to win 25-22.
The Bobcats were led on offense by sophomore outside hitters Chelsea Bilger and Kelly Lamberti, who each recorded 12 kills and were the team’s top two scorers. Lamberti also recorded a double-double, as she dug an opposing return 10 times.
Ohio will be back in The Convo on Saturday to take the court with Eastern Michigan (11-8, 1-2) in another MAC showdown.
The Bobcats have not lost to the Eagles since 2001 and possess a 31-16-1 advantage in the teams’ all-time series.
Eastern Michigan had lost five consecutive matches before defeating Northern Illinois last weekend, but the Eagles suffered another loss to Central Michigan on Thursday, 3-0.
The Eagles are led by senior outside hitter Rachel Iaquaniello, who has an average of 4.03 kills per set this season, and leads the team in points with 335.
Contending at the net defensively for Eastern Michigan is sophomore middle blocker Megan Crawshaw, who is fifth in the MAC in blocking with an average of 1.25 per set.
“We’re going to have to play tough on offense, tough on defense and serve well,” Theis said. “They’re going to be a completely different animal Saturday night and we are going to have our work cut out for us.”
The match Saturday will be the second of a four-match home stand, with the Bobcats remaining in Athens next weekend for two more contests against Akron and Buffalo.
cl027410@ohiou.edu
QUICK FACTS:
OHIO 3, Kent State 0
— Ohio has now won six consecutive sets
— Kelly Lamberti recorded a double-double with 12 kills and 10 digs
— Ohio will host Eastern Michigan Saturday in The Convo
