ATHENS, Ohio – The Ohio volleyball team (7-5, 1-0 MAC) opened Mid-American Conference play with a dominating 3-0 (25-15, 25-22, 25-12) win over Miami (5-7, 0-1 MAC) to open the 'Battle of the Bricks' series on Friday night (Sept. 24) inside the Convocation Center.

The Bobcats outhit Miami .326 to .088, with the RedHawks tallying 20 attack errors. Ohio thrived both offensively and defensively during this match, collecting 41
kills to Miami's 29, and notching 48 digs to Miami's 35.

The Bobcats took control from the start in set one, jumping out to a 6-2 lead early in the contest. After impressive offensive and defensive showings, Ohio went up 17-10, forcing Miami to call its first timeout. After the timeout, Ohio extended its lead to 20-12, closing out set one with five of the last eight points in favor of the Bobcats to secure set one, 25-15.
 
Set two was a close one for Ohio, with both teams battling for the lead early. Miami found themselves on a 4-0 scoring run to put them up 10-9, securing their first lead of the set since 1-0. The momentum seemed to shift in the RedHawks favor as they extended their lead to 15-11. However, the Bobcats went on a 6-0 run to tie the game at 18 a piece. Ohio pulled away near the end of the set, taking a 24-22 lead, with Miami giving the Bobcats the set point with a service error, sealing the 25-22 set win for the Bobcats.
 
The Bobcats erupted in the third set, taking a commanding 8-1 lead early in the set. Ohio did not let Miami back in the contest, going on a 6-0 scoring run to put the Bobcats up 18-7. With the score 23-10, Ohio scored two of the final four points to win the set 25-12, and take the match in three.

Ohio's offensive success against Miami was due to outstanding play by outside hitters Olivia Margolies (Galena, Ohio) and Caroline Clippard (Cincinnati, Ohio), as well as junior middle blocker Elizabeth Hoerlein (Mason, Ohio). Margolies contributed 11 kills, while Clippard notched nine, and Hoerlein secured seven. Additionally, libero Sam Steele (Omaha, Neb.) and setter Tria McLean (Battle Creek, Neb.) led the team defensively, with Steele totaling 16 digs, and McLean tallying 11, along with 30 assists.

The Bobcats will resume their conference play against Miami (Ohio) tomorrow (Sept. 25) at 6:30 p.m. ET inside the Convocation Center.

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