Sept. 7, 2007

Box Score

NOTRE DAME, Ind. - The No. 13 Ohio volleyball team jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but lost the final three games, to fall 3-2 (30-25, 30-19, 21-30, 20-30, 10-15) to Alabama in the opening match of the Shamrock Invitational, hosted by Notre Dame. Ohio's record drops to 4-2, while Alabama improves to 3-4 on the year.

Sophomore outside hitter Ellen Herman (Toledo, Ohio) led the Bobcats once again, tying a career-high with 27 kills on a .206 hitting percentage and adding seven digs. Senior middle blocker Melissa Griffin (Whitehall, Mich.) and sophomore middle blocker Jane Sytsma (Madison, Wis.) each had 10 kills for Ohio. Libero Stephanie Blackburn (Cincinnati, Ohio) paced the Bobcats defensively with a match-high 22 digs.

Ohio (4-2) out-hit Alabama (3-4) .261 to .231 in the opening game and .429 to .083 in the second game to seemingly take control of the match with a 2-0 lead. The tide turned quickly however, as the Bobcats were held to a .000 hitting percentage in game three and a .119 hitting percentage in the fourth game. Alabama took advantage, winning both games, 30-21, 30-20, to tie the match at 2-2.

The deciding fifth game began with Ohio trailing Alabama 4-1 and then 11-6. The Bobcats fought back, cutting the Crimson Tide's lead to 12-9. Alabama ended the comeback attempt, scoring four of the final five points to win the game and the match.

Ohio continues play in the Shamrock Invitational tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 8, against the College of Charleston at 4:30 p.m. ET.