After a rough nonconference stretch, Ohio (5-8, 1-1 Mid-American Conference) started to return to the play it started the season with, splitting its series with Akron last weekend. The team will have a chance to build on its recent success against Toledo (9-6, 2-1 MAC), looking to start a winning streak this weekend.
It won’t come without a challenge, though, as the Rockets boast plenty of height up front. Here’s everything you need to know.
Match Information
Opponent: Toledo (9-6, 2-1 MAC)
Location: The Convocation Center (Athens, Ohio)
Times: Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m.
Where to Watch: ESPN+
Follow live stats here.
History
Since 2010, Ohio has boasted an 11-6 series lead against Toledo. While Toledo cannot cover the ground completely this weekend, Ohio will look to widen its lead and maintain its recent historical advantage.
Toledo Notes
The Rockets are led by seventh-year coach Jason Oliver, the team’s first coach ever to lead the team to three consecutive winning seasons in the MAC. Oliver and Toledo are on course to make that a fourth on the back of one of the MAC’s most physically imposing front lines.
Nine out of Toledo’s fifteen players are listed at or above six feet tall, a large reason why the team has been able to force 20.4 attacking errors a match, blocking 120.5 total shots. Offensively the Rockets have a couple of options to lean on, but with three players over 100 kills through 15 games, they are deep.
Both the Bobcats and Rockets have similar roster constructions in terms of class. The two teams are primarily made up of underclassmen, with Ohio boasting four true freshmen to Toledo’s five total (three true freshmen and two redshirt freshmen). Both teams include only two players in their fourth or fifth year.
Player to Watch (Toledo): Taylor Alt
Alt, a fifth-year senior from Ottawa, Ohio, is Toledo’s do-it-all superstar. The 6-foot-1 outside hitter is a tall, athletic threat as a striker, leading the Rockets with 210 kills on a .265 hitting percentage. Her versatility is what pops off the stat sheet; however, as Alt ranks third in blocks and digs, and fourth in assists, holding a tie for the team lead in service aces as well.
