It took longer than expected, but Ohio kicked off the 2021 season over the course of two days against Central Michigan. The Bobcats and Chippewas originally were supposed to play a game on Friday and Saturday but after a campus-wide power outage stopped play near the end of set two, the two squads converted their series into a doubleheader on Saturday.
Ohio fell to Central Michigan in five sets in game one (20-25, 25-22, 25-15, 25-19, 13-15)
Here are some instant reactions to Ohio’s season-opening loss to the Chippewas.
Tia Jimerson is still a monster
They don’t call her T-rex for nothing. Senior middle blocker and 2019 MAC Player of the year Tia Jimerson is without a doubt the heart and soul of the Bobcats. Jimerson looked to be in midseason form against the Chippewas and kept Ohio in the match. She finished the match with 15 kills.
Don’t forget about Lauren Park
If there was anyone more impressive than Jimerson for the Bobcats on Saturday it was Lauren Park. Park had a career-high 18 kills against the Chippewas. If Park can continue to be that type of a force against opponents this season it’ll be a huge boost for the Bobcats.
Glad to have ya back
Ohio was without one of its best players for Friday but got her back for Saturday. Senior setter Vera Giacomazzi returned back to the Cats on Saturday and gave major help to the offense. Without playing all of set one and most of set two, Giacomazzi finished with 30 assists, almost double the second most — Central Michigan's Karmyn Olson’s 17.
Another shot
A loss was not how Ohio (0-1, 0-1 Mid American Conference) wanted to start the season. But it’ll have another chance to leave Saturday with a win when it faces the Chippewas again at 5:30. That match will be big for the Bobcats after news broke that their two-game series against Eastern Michigan next week was postponed due to COVID issues with the Eagles. The Bobcats are not going to want to have to wait till February to get into the winner’s circle.
