After a 2023 campaign where Ohio finished second in the Mid-American Conference East Division, Ohio will start 2024 as hosts of the Bobcat Invitational, with three teams coming to Athens, Ohio.
About a decade ago, Ohio was one of the most dominant mid-major programs in NCAA Division I. However, since the Bobcats’ ninth MAC Championship in 13 years, back in 2015, they have yet to find their way back to the top of the podium.
After a handful of key departures from last season, including 2023 All-MAC Team selectee, Caitlin O’Farrell, Ohio is coming into the 2024 season with a much younger team, looking to fill in talent with pieces old and new. It all starts at The Convo with the Bobcat Invitational.
Game Information
Opponent(s): Wright State, Appalachian State, Xavier
Time(s): Friday at 6:30 p.m. (Xavier), Saturday at 1 p.m. (Appalachian State) and 7 p.m. (Wright State)
Location: The Convocation Center (Athens, Ohio)
Where to watch: ESPN+
Follow live stats here.
History
Of its three opponents in the Bobcat Invitational, Ohio has only played against its first opponent, Xavier. The only matchup between the two teams was a 1-3 loss for the Bobcats in 2022. Kristy Frank’s 13 kills led Ohio, while Tria McClean and Chariti McKellar each tallied 22 assists.
Player to Watch (Xavier): Logan Flaugh
Last season, Xavier’s offensive attack relied on various options, rather than just one dominant outside hitter. The team accomplished this to the tune of an 18-12 record in large part due to their setter, Carrington O’Reilly. However, O’Reilly has since graduated, leaving senior Logan Flaugh with her spot as the team’s primary setter. The Bobcat Invitational will be Flaugh’s chance to prove herself as an established starter.
Player to Watch (Appalachian State): Maya Winterhoff
Appalachian State was an under .500 team with an underwhelming offense last season, but defensively, sophomore middle blocker Maya Winterhoff was an absolute stalwart. Winterhoff led her team with 130 blocks. While the question of where the offense will come from for Appalachian State remains unanswered, the team can rely on Winterhoff as a wall in the center.
Player to Watch (Wright State): Sam Ott
Wright State had two players with at least 350 kills last season: Megan Alders and Callie Martin. However, neither will be with the team this year as Alders is now with the coaching staff and Martin has graduated. On the outside, that leaves graduate student Sam Ott as someone with the chance to take over as the primary offensive piece for Wright State. Ott is far from unproven, but in a hitting room that is younger than last season, she could look to fill in as the leader.
