A weekend away from competition proved to be helpful for the Bobcats.
After not playing last weekend, Ohio defeated the Akron Zips (1-3, 1-3 Mid-American Conference) 3-1 Thursday night at James A. Rhodes Arena. Their ability to stay collected under pressure helped lift the Bobcats to victory.
Here are the numbers to know from the Bobcat’s 3-1 win over the Zips:
.226
Ohio’s (2-1, 2-1 Mid-American Conference) hitting percentage is currently at .226%. Accuracy has not been the Bobcats’ biggest strength. Ohio does not fear attacking at the net, but often lacks the ball control to effectively get the kill. Against Akron, Ohio committed 27 attack errors in 148 attempts. In their last match, the Bobcats only had 13 errors in 125 attempts. While they had more attempts, the Bobcats were not as effective in the weeks prior.
3
Defensive Specialist Sam Steele has played in three matches her collegiate career, and currently leads the team in digs. She contributed 27 of her 78 digs up against the Zips (1-3, 1-3 Mid-American Conference). Steele shows no signs of easing up on her defensive abilities, as she adds the defensive push the Bobcats need to defeat their opponents. Her ability to get a piece of the ball to keep rallies alive provides Ohio with more scoring opportunities.
48
Tria McLean served the ball 48 times during the match and only committed one service error. Her ability to give a clean serve to start the rally gives the Ohio defense time to set up and communicate. McLean contributed her first two service aces during the match as well, making her one of six Bobcats with a service ace this season.
78
Ohio’s defense has not let up since the beginning of the season. Nine different Bobcats helped to put up 78 digs against the Zips. The urgency displayed by Ohio’s back row kept several rallies from dying. Their ability to cover the court was key against Akron and helped Ohio in several instances.
Ohio will take on Akron again Friday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. in hopes of securing a 2-0 series sweep. Fans can watch the match on ESPN3 or ESPN +, or view live stats here.
