Sept. 1, 2006
DAVIDSON, N.C. - The No. 15 Ohio volleyball team (1-2) defeated Portland (1-2) in a three-game sweep (30-22, 30-25, 30-23) at the Mizuno Wildcat Classic hosted by Davidson College for its first victory of the season.
Junior Melissa Griffin (Whitehall, Mich.) led the Bobcats with 17 kills on only 22 attempts for a .773 hitting percentage. Freshman Ellen Herman (Toledo, Ohio) registered 16 kills and junior Stephanie Blackburn (Cincinnati, Ohio) recorded a double-double of 11 kills and 15 digs. Sophomore Jill DeArmond (Fort Wayne, Ind.) recorded a career high 44 assists and senior Janice Matacic (Liberty Township, Ohio) had 10 digs.
Nicole Thometz and Ashley Grayson led the Pilots with eight kills apiece. Maria Clemens had a team high nine digs and Kara Pein had 29 assists.
The Bobcats scored six straight points to lead, 6-2, early in game one. They stayed ahead the remainder of the game, but the Pilots were able to draw within one at 18-17. The Bobcats then scored 12 straight points to close out the 30-22 win. Ohio had its most efficient offensive game, hitting .476 with 22 kills on 42 attempts.
The Bobcat offense continued its attack in game two, outhitting the Pilots .371-.195. The two teams were even at 10-10 before Ohio was able to stretch its advantage to a game-high seven points at 23-16. The Bobcats were able to maintain at least a three-point lead for the remainder of the game en route to the 30-25 win.
The Bobcats couldn't be stopped in game three as Griffin pounded six kills, while Blackburn and Herman added five apiece. Ohio started the game on a 10-3 run, but the Pilots were able to close within three points on several occasions. With the score, 23-20, Ohio tallied seven of the last 10 points to close out the match.
Tonight Ohio will face Davidson at 8 p.m. E.T. to close out day one of the tournament.
