After a rough close to the Green and White Invitational, Ohio (4-7), having lost its last two nonconference matches, will jump into Mid-American Conference play this weekend. Ohio will head on the road for a two-day series and take on Akron (4-8).
The Bobcats and Zips played last year in Athens and went 1-1 against each other, with each team winning a match 3-1. The history of this matchup favors the Bobcats, who, in the past 20 years, have held a 29-4 record over the Zips, but recent years have favored Akron better as the teams have split three times in the past four seasons.
Game Information
Opponent: Akron
Location: Akron, Ohio (James A. Rhodes Arena)
Time(s): Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m.
Where to watch: ESPN+
Follow live stats here.
Players to Watch: Ohio
Ohio will look to rely on junior and first-team All-MAC opposite hitter from a year ago, Anna Kharchynska. In the two matchups last year, Kharchynska totaled 23 total kills, four aces, and 29.5 total points to lead Ohio. She will look to build on her impressive stat line so far this year with 145 kills, 167.5 kills, and 33 blocks in just 43. She is not the only one to fear if you are Akron, sophomore Kam Hunt will look to keep her hot season rolling this weekend.
Hunt totaled 42 kills and 44.5 points in the Green and White Invitational this past weekend and heading into MAC play is second in kills with 158 and fourth in kills per set with 3.67.
Players to Watch: Akron
Akron will try to counter with senior Lauren Baker, who has also started the season strong, with 157 kills of her own. She did not play against Ohio last year but had a strong season overall with 226 kills, 2.54 per set, and 31 blocks in 23 matches.
Furthermore, a strong effort from another senior, Melisa Tore, was seen last time these two teams matched up when she tallied her season-high 13 kills in the first matchup between these two teams last year. She will look to replicate that and propel Akron back to victory this year too.
