Ohio's season begins with a three-match tournament at the Sports Imports Classic at St. John Arena in Columbus. Here's some information about the games, opponents and other happenings around the team.
Friday
vs. Texas A&M
2017 record: 10-15
Match time: 4 p.m.
How to listen: Radio stream and live stats will be available on www.ohiobobcats.com
Saturday
Game 1
@ Ohio State
2017 record: 15-16
Match time: 12:30 p.m.
How to listen/watch: Radio stream and live stats will be available on www.ohiobobcats.com. A television stream of the game will be available via subscription to Big Ten Network Plus.
Game 2
@ Albany
2017 record: 11-15
Match time: 5:30 p.m.
How to listen: Radio stream and live stats will be available on www.ohiobobcats.com.
News and notes
-The Mid-American Conference 2018 pre-season coaches' poll was released on Wednesday, and Ohio is the favorite to win the conference. The Bobcats received nine of 12 votes to win the East Division, eight of 11 votes to win the regular season crown and five of 11 votes to win the MAC Tournament.
-Outside hitter Lizzie Stephens, setter Vera Giacomazzi and middle blocker Tia Jimerson were selected to the 2018 Preseason East Division All-MAC team. The Bobcats were the only team in the conference to have three players selected to a divisional team.
-Stephens was selected as Ohio's third co-captain on Tuesday. The junior never missed a set in 2017, and she'll join redshirt seniors Jamie Kosiorek and Katie Nelson as co-captains.
-Ohio fell 3-0 (25-22, 25-14, 25-23) to Pittsburgh in its lone preseason match last Saturday.
-Both Ohio and Pitt's starters opened the preseason match. For the Bobcats, their starting lineup consisted of...
• Nelson — Right side hitter
• Stephens — Outside hitter
• Sara Januszewski — Middle blocker
• Giacomazzi — Setter
• Kosiorek — Outside hitter
• Jimerson — Middle blocker
• Macy Reihing — Libero/Defensive specialist
