Ohio takes down Bowling Green and Miami as it begins its MAC schedule with two wins.
Ohio got off to a slow start Friday evening versus Bowling Green. The Bobcats trailed 8-3 early as they just couldn’t seem to defend the Falcons’ attack.
The next night was a different story for the Bobcats, who came out with more energy than the night before.
The reason, coach Deane Webb said, was because Ohio was playing its rival Miami.
“If you can’t get up to play Miami, what are you doing putting a jersey on?” Webb said. “They’re our rival. You’ve got to be up.”
Ohio was certainly “up” this weekend, as it cruised to two wins over conference foes, with a 3-1 win over Miami and a sweep against Bowling Green.
The Bobcats used a more balanced offensive attack this weekend in comparison to previous matches, thanks in part to the return of previously injured junior Mallory Salis.
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Salis was a huge contributor to Ohio’s offense, recording double-doubles on both nights. Maybe even more importantly, her presence allowed Ohio to distribute the ball to fellow outside hitter sophomore Jaime Kosiorek.
“We’re working on balancing our offense out,” Salis said. “With different lineups, we have so many options. I think that makes it hard for other teams to scout. Right now, we’re working things in and seeing how they go. I think we’re starting to glue together.”
Salis wasn’t the only Bobcat with a double-double this weekend, as Kosiorek tallied 13 kills and 18 digs Saturday.
Senior Abby Gilleland posted a triple-double Saturday, recording 13 kills, 39 assists and 22 digs.
Gilleland usually blends into the Bobcats’ offense, setting up kills for her teammates. This week, however, Webb told her to be on the attack more often.
“It’s my job to open opportunities up when I can,” Gilleland said. “If I see the opportunity to attack, I typically take it. In the long run, it opens up some blocking opportunities.”
With the two wins, Ohio has now won 26-straight regular season games in the Mid-American Conference, with its last loss coming against Ball State on Oct. 19, 2013.
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