With 12 votes in the most recent AVCA/USA Today Poll, the No. 31 Ohio volleyball team has again achieved its highest national rank in team history.
The Bobcats eclipsed their previous best No. 36 rank from a week ago by beating Kentucky, New Mexico and Sacramento State en route to winning the Albuquerque Marriott Lobo Volleyball Classic this past weekend in New Mexico.
The votes catapulted Ohio ahead of strong programs like Ohio State and North Carolina in the rankings.
"Obviously the ranking is good for the program - national attention for the school and especially the girls," Ohio coach Geoff Carlston said. "As a team we're more focused on (Mid-American Conference) play, since there will be six teams that should be able to battle it out for the top spot.
"As a program we are just going to take the season one game at a time," he said. "Every MAC game this year will be a battle."
Ohio (9-3), riding a seven game winning streak, will play at Marshall at 7 p.m. Friday before entertaining rival Miami at 7 p.m. Oct. 1 in The Convo.
Hageman earns third consecutive Player of the Week award
Ohio volleyball player Laura Hageman's play at middle blocker this past weekend earned her a third consecutive MAC Player of the Week honor.
Hageman was named tournament Most Valuable Player at the Albuquerque Marriott Lobo Volleyball Classic, her second such honor in as many weeks. In three tournament games, Hageman totaled 20 blocks, 31 digs and 44 kills.
Carlston said he has been impressed with Hageman's focus this season.
"What truly impresses me about Laura is how these awards take a back seat to her dedication to the team and its continued success on the court," he said.
"Through her and other seniors, leadership this year has not been hard to find."
The accolade marks Hageman's ninth consecutive all-tournament team selection and 10th of her career.
Cote takes field hockey honor
Ohio goalkeeper Jennifer Cote was named MAC Defensive Player of the Week, as the Ohio field hockey team (2-4) split its games last week.
After entering last Wednesday's game against Ohio State late in the first period, Cote kept the Bobcats in the game long enough for Ohio to force overtime. Despite 10 saves from Cote in her less than 32 minutes of playing time, the Bobcats lost in the extra period, 3-2.
"The team and myself all saw what we have been looking for from Jennifer this year against OSU," Ohio coach Shelly Morris said. "Both her look on the field and attitude were really beneficial this weekend."
The Bobcats bounced back to defeat Southwest Missouri State 5-0 in the team's 2003 home opener behind Cote's second career shutout.
"The team produced a tremendous game against SMS," Morris said. "I will be interested to see how things go this weekend against Kent State."
Ohio plays host to Kent State at 3 p.m. Friday at Peggy Pruitt Field before playing at Michigan State at 1 p.m. Sunday.
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Mark Shugar
