ATHENS, Ohio – The Ohio volleyball team (18-10, 12-5 MAC) fell short to Ball State (22-7, 14-3 MAC) in four sets (21-25, 25-14, 18-25, 21-25) on Saturday (Nov. 12) in the Convocation Center.
Ohio recorded a .173 hitting percentage with 50 kills to Ball State's .221 hitting percentage and 52 kills. Bobcats collected an additional block over the Cardinals and matched them in assists. Ohio led Ball State 71-66 in digs.
Set one started with the Bobcats down early, but they were able to spark an 8-3 run to get themselves back into the set. Ohio was able to put together another late run, but despite their efforts, the Bobcats fell 21-25 in set one.
The Bobcats looked to bounce back in set two and even up the match. Ohio got off to the hot start it was seeking and took an early 7-2 lead. The Bobcats continued to dominate the set, scoring six straight to take their largest lead of the set at 11 points. Ohio was able to end the set with an 8-2 run, giving them set two 25-14.
The third set started off neck and neck with an early five ties and three lead changes. The Cardinals were able to maintain a steady lead, until Ohio went on a 6-1 run, putting the set within three points. The Bobcats struggled to make a final push, ultimately losing set three 18-25.
Set four began as another close battle with neither team being able to expand its lead. Ball State got ahead and held a slim margin, but the Bobcats were not finished yet. Trying to extend the match, Ohio tallied a 7-2 run together, forcing the Cardinals to call a timeout. The Bobcats fought till the very end but dropped the set 21-25.
The Ohio Bobcats were led offensively by outside hitter Kristy Frank (Kyiv, Ukraine) with 12 kills. Senior middle blocker Caitlin O'Farrell (Suwanee, Ga.) and sophomore outside hitter Caroline Clippard (Cincinnati, Ohio) followed with nine kills apiece.
Senior setter Parker Kwiatkowski (Grand Rapids, Mich.) achieved another double-double with her 22 assists and 10 digs. Meanwhile, libero Sam Steele (Omaha, Neb.) and outside hitter Olivia Margolies (Galena, Ohio) led the Bobcats in digs with 17 each.
Junior setter Tria McLean (Battle Creek, Neb.) and junior defensive specialist Maci Watrous (Coppell, Texas) also aided the Bobcats' efforts, contributing 22 assists and 15 digs, respectively.
Ohio honored its five seniors, Kristy Frank, Ciara Livingway (Lake Orion, Mich.), Emily Margolies (Galena, Ohio), Olivia Margolies, and Lauren Park (Millersburg, Ohio) at the conclusion of the match.
Up next, Ohio will host Kent State at 7:00 pm ET on Wednesday (Nov. 16) looking to capture its last regular season game.
#OUohyeah
