Ohio defeated Western Michigan 3-1 in The Convo on Friday night. Ohio has been under stress this past week, playing four matches in five days. The Bobcats have won three so far this week and will look to end the week on a high note against Western Michigan on Saturday.
Here are some postgame reactions to Ohio’s 3-1 win over the Broncos:
No Nedoma
Maggie Nedoma has been a force to be reckoned with for the Bobcats this season, but after an injury in the fourth set of the match against Toledo, Nedoma has not been absent from the court. She was missing from the starting lineup Saturday, which marks the first match she has not played in since coming to Ohio in her sophomore season.
Nedoma was present in The Convo and appeared dressed on the bench but did not play. The former first-team All-MAC player is Ohio’s go-to opposite hitter, and her absence forced the Bobcats to work around her.
Hello, Hoerlein
Freshman Elizabeth Hoerlein stepped onto the court for the Bobcats for the second time this season and has already shown growth. She played in three sets for the Bobcats as a middle blocker and landed three kills in five attempts on the night.
Hoerlein also showed off her defensive abilities with two blocks and a dig. The young player looked lost at times but was helped by her teammates — most specifically O’Farrell, who has played her position before. Hoerlein has plenty of time ahead of her to develop at Ohio, but the freshman looks to be a strong addition for the future.
Streaks
Before this match, Western Michigan had been on a seven-game win streak and was 8-1 on the road. The Bobcats put a quick end to that, and now Ohio is now on a streak of its own. Upsetting the Broncos puts Ohio on a three-game win streak, which is the longest they’ve had all season. The Bobcats are looking like a different team as the season draws to a close. The Bobcats are desperate to clinch a spot in the MAC Tournament, and the wins from this week might bolster their chances.
