The Ohio State men's volleyball team did not forget how to perform under pressure.
After completing two sweeps over the weekend, the Buckeyes (16-7 overall, 9-1 Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association) were taken to a decisive fifth game Tuesday by Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne. IPFW's strong effort was due in large part to Jason Yhost's match-high 35 points. OSU, led by senior Brett Versen's team-high 21 points, overcame a four-point deficit in game five to win the match 3-2 (27-30, 30-26, 30-26, 22-30, 15-13).
"That's pretty good playing under pressure," coach Pete Hanson said.
IPFW has struggled this season and was looking for a marquee victory in front of its home fans. Despite their lackluster 5-6 MIVA record, IPFW was coming off two consecutive home wins last week, including a victory over No. 15 Lewis University. The Buckeyes, winners of four straight matches and eight of nine, knew they could not underestimate the Mastodons and look ahead to Thursday's game with Ball State.
"We were very focused on Fort Wayne," Hanson said. "We expected them to have a good match. The last week or so we've seen them start playing well."
Even after losing the fourth game by a 30-22 margin, the Buckeyes remained focused. A loss Tuesday would have dropped the Buckeyes into second place in the MIVA, diminishing their conference championship aspirations.
"I was really pleased with our mental focus," Hanson said. "We hung in there and matched their intensity."
The victory sets up a top 10 and first place showdown between No. 9 OSU and No. 8 Ball State. Each team is 9-1 in the MIVA, and Thursday's game at St. John Arena will break the tie.
"The good news is we are doing it here in front of our fans," Hanson said.
Thursday's match is crucial because the winner of the MIVA regular-season crown is rewarded with home court advantage in the MIVA tournament. Ball State defeated the Buckeyes previously this season. So what will it take for OSU to avenge their lone conference loss and continue its four match winning streak?
"We just have to keep playing like we are playing," Hanson said. "All we have to do is win the match."
Following Thursday's game, OSU will close out its regular season schedule Saturday at St. John Arena against Mercyhurst College.
Scott Polacek can be reached at polacek.3@osu.edu.
2008 Woodie Awards
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