Michigan
12-15, 4-13Big Ten
Ohio State
14-12, 7-10Big Ten
Michigan Swept by Ohio State to Open Home Weekend
11/20/1998 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Site:Â Ann Arbor, Mich. (Cliff Keen Arena)
Result:Â Ohio State 3, Michigan 0 (15-10, 15-6, 15-11)
Records:Â U-M (12-15, 4-13 Big Ten), OSU (12-13, 7-10 Big Ten)
Next U-M Match:Â Saturday, Nov. 21 -- vs. Penn State (Cliff Keen Arena), 7 p.m.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan volleyball team returned home from a four-match road trip, but the friendly confines of Cliff Keen Arena were not enough as the Wolverines lost to Ohio State in three games (15-10, 15-6, 15-11) on Friday (Nov. 20).
Game one began with a Buckeye rally as Ohio State took a quick 7-0 lead before a service ace by Joanna Fielder (Costa Mesa, Calif./Newport Harbor HS) got the Wolverines on the scoreboard. Aided by a strong service game from Sarah Behnke (Baroda, Mich./Lakeshore HS), the Wolverines rattled off the next nine points to take a 9-7 advantage. However, Ohio State scored eight of the final nine points to take game one 15-10.
In game two, Ohio State once again gained the early lead at 5-0 before Michigan got on the board to make 5-2. Three consecutive blocks allowed the Buckeyes to regain control of the game with a 8-2 lead. Two consecutive service aces by senior captain Jane Stevens (Honolulu, Hawaii/Punahou HS) gave the Wolverines a spark, but the Wolverines could not overcome 13 attack errors as Ohio State went up two games to none with a 15-6 win in game two.
Led by three straight service points from Linsey Ebert (Fowlerville, Mich./Fowlerville HS) and strong attacking by Karen Chase (Orinda, Calif./Miramonte HS), Michigan jumped out to a early 5-2 lead in game three. Solid attacking and digging off the bench in game three from Annie Maxwell (Santa Barbara, Calif./Santa Barbara HS) helped Michigan lead 11-9 late, but the Buckeyes rallied for a 15-11 win to sweep the match.
Michigan struggled at the net, with a hitting percentage of .088 (42-30-136) for the match, while Ohio State hit .300 (51-15-120). The Wolverines were also out-blocked 9.5-4 for the match.
MATCH BESTS
Kills:Â U-M 42 (Karen Chase 16); OSU 51 (Rosie Snow-Dana Stearns 10)
Assists:Â U-M 38 (Shannon Melka 17); OSU 47 (Jen Flynn 39)
Service Aces:Â U-M 7 (Jane Stevens 3); OSU 2 (Dana Stearns-Anne Botica 1)
Digs:Â U-M 49 (Sarah Behnke 13); OSU 55 (Rosie Snow 16)
Blocks:Â U-M 4 (Karen Chase-Joanna Fielder 2); OSU 9.5 (Shellye Sills 7)
NOTES
• Fifth-year senior Chereena Tennis (Los Angeles, Calif./Brentwood HS) received her first start of the season.
• Michigan's record vs. unranked opponents is now 11-5.
• Sophomore Sarah Behnke surpassed the 100-dig mark this season with 103. It marks the second consecutive year she has accomplished that feat, after recording 272 as a freshman.
QUOTES
Michigan Head Coach Greg Giovanazzi
On the play of Alija Pittenger ... "Alija did a nice job setting for us. She is a solid setter, who gives us an extra dimension because she is a good blocker. She is a nice luxury to have as a backup setter."
