For Fan Appreciation Night, Ohio (11-13, 7-6 Mid-American Conference) put on a show for a record-breaking attendance for volleyball in The Convo. In a five-set victory against formerly MAC No. 1 ranked Central Michigan (19-6, 10-3 MAC), 1,017 fans took to their feet as three Bobcats reached career highs during the game.
Bryn Janke, Ohio’s freshman setter, reached a career-high in assists with 51. In an incredible display of offense and aggression at the net against CMU, no ball could have scored without Janke there to get the ball to her hitters.
Ohio coach Geoff Carlston said although he was extremely proud of his record-breakers, he was excited for the entire team after last night.
“I'm proud of our team,” Carlston said. “Bryn hasn't run a five-one in forever, since she's been here for sure. We just felt like it was the right way to go.”
In addition to Janke, Makenna Schafer surpassed her career high in kills, digs and points nearing the end of her career as a Bobcat on the court. With 18-line drive kills just last night, Schafer’s hard work getting around the block and finding the open spot has paid off.
“I think the biggest thing for me, and Geoff tells me too, is just go up and hit it as hard as you can,” Schafer said. “And that's kind of my mindset. And over the years, I've learned how to see the block also, while hitting as hard as I can, some of them don't just get blocked … So really, just for me, it's just using that power.”
Elizabeth Horlein also hit a career-high in blocks with nine crucial points up at the net. The middle blocker is also facing her last few weeks on this team, and putting up big numbers for herself in one sure way to close out her final season with Ohio.
“It goes back to the team,” Hoerlein said. “Everyone was super encouraging. You know, it's just like playing for them. That's how I think about it.”
Coach Carlston had a lot to boast about after last night after watching his team put up record numbers for an ecstatic crowd right up until the very last point of set five.
“Every single person played, so that's kind of cool,” Carlston said. “It really says a lot about our identity and who we are. (I’m) really, really happy for us. We played great last night too. It's just the margin of error is so small when you're playing a team like that, so (I’m) happy that we were on this side of it tonight.”
Ohio volleyball fans and The Marching 110 showed up for the whole team last night and brought attendess The Convo to the edge of their seats. With such a loud and energetic atmosphere, it is the energy the team is looking to carry into the final weeks of the 2024 season.
“It's great to have the crowd here, right?” Carlston said. “The band and all that makes an impact. We want the environment. It's one of the things we're trying to build over time here. We love playing in front of people … A cool thing about volleyball is when you have fans, it makes a big difference. And I'm sure they felt it over there too.”
