ATHENS, Ohio – The Ohio volleyball team (20-11) opened play in the first round of the National Invitational Volleyball Championship on Thursday evening (Dec. 1), sweeping Valparaiso (22-11) 3-0 (25-19, 25-11, 25-17) inside the Convocation Center. 

Ohio outhit Valpo .247-.031, while also recording 37 kills, 43 digs and registered six blocks with eight services aces. Meanwhile, Valpo recorded 25 kills, two aces and three blocks. 

Individually, freshman opposite hitter Anna Kharchynska (Kyiv, Ukraine) recorded eight kills and a .429 hitting percentage, while junior middle blocker Elizabeth Hoerlein (Mason, Ohio) added six kills and a .417 hitting percentage. Junior libero Sam Steele (Omaha, Neb.) recorded 14 digs, while setters junior Tria McLean (Battle Creek, Neb.) and freshman Chariti Winzeler (Toledo, Ohio) combined for 32 assists. 

Valpo grabbed a quick 4-0 lead before the Bobcats went on a run of their own to tie the set. Ohio continued to expand its lead going 7-2 to put the Bobcats up 11-6. The Beacons went on a brief run to lessen a nine-point deficit, but it was not enough as Ohio took set one 25-19. 

The Bobcats carried their momentum into set two, hitting a stellar .480. Only allowing Valpo 10-points, Ohio quickly secured the second set 25-11. 

In set three, the Bobcats jumped out to a 3-0 lead before a successful challenge by the Beacon's bench put Valpo on the board. A run by the Beacons put them in front for the first time since the first set, but quick work by Ohio's offense kept them alive. A 4-0 run by the Bobcats brought the set to a media timeout, with Ohio lead 15-9. The Bobcats remained in front for the remainder of the set, sweeping Valpo after closing out set three, 25-17. 

Up next, the Bobcats continue play in the second round of 2022 NIVC on Friday, Dec. 2 when they take on Xavier. Match time is set 6 p.m. inside the Convocation Center. 

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