INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Ohio volleyball team (6-5, 0-0 MAC) concluded its nonconference match ups with a tough 3-1 (23-25, 25-23, 21-25, 15-25) loss to Notre Dame (5-5, 0-0 ACC) to close the Bulldog Brawl on Saturday (Sept. 17) inside Hinkle Fieldhouse.
The Bobcats were outhit by the Irish, .122 to .300. Despite Notre Dame tallying a mere four additional kills, Ohio's offense was hindered by 12 Irish blocks, forcing multiple errors. However, the Bobcats out-dug their opponent, 57-50.
Set one began as a tight match up, with both teams trading points until the score was an even 9-9. Notre Dame broke the tie and stayed in front until two Ohio runs tied the set at 22-22. Despite their efforts, the Bobcats were never able to regain the lead and dropped set one, 23-25.
The second set started off slow for Ohio, with the Irish jumping out to an early 8-1 lead. However, a service error by Notre Dame gave the Bobcats a necessary reset, allowing them to close the gap. After narrowing the score to 10-4, Ohio went on a 6-0 run to tie the match. The Irish fought to stay in front, but a late 6-1 run gave the Bobcats the lead to put away set two, 25-23.
Set three was another close one, with seven ties. Ohio was briefly able to steal the lead mid-set, but Notre Dame managed to keep a one-point advantage over the Bobcats for the rest of the set. The Irish went up 2-1 against Ohio after taking the third set 25-21.
While the Bobcats got the lead early in set four, a 6-0 run put Notre Dame back in the set. The Irish never looked back and continued to stretch their lead until they took the match. Notre Dame finished set four with a score of 25-15.
Ohio's offense was carried by outside hitters Caroline Clippard (Cincinnati, Ohio) and Kristy Frank (Kyiv, Ukraine), with Clippard recording 15 kills and Frank collecting 12. Senior outside hitter Olivia Margolies (Galena, Ohio) achieved her fourth double-double during non-conference play with 11 kills and 10 digs. Also producing for the Bobcats' defense was junior libero Sam Steele (Omaha, Neb.) and junior defensive specialist Maci Watrous (Coppell, Texas). Steele produced 17 digs while Watrous took 10. Junior setter Tria McLean (Battle Creek, Neb.) assisted Ohio's offense, pocketing 40 assists.
The Bobcats will begin their conference play at home against Miami (Ohio) for the Battle of the Bricks on Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. ET.
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