Eric Boggs
The Ohio State women’s volleyball team (5-3) has shown resilience and skill early in the season, picking up key wins but also experiencing a tough loss. After their opening matches, the Buckeyes have displayed potential and determination as they continue to refine their play with several games under their belt.
Buckeyes Open Home Campaign with Sweep of No. 20 Miami (FL)
In their home opener, Ohio State (4-2) made a statement by sweeping No. 20 Miami (FL) (25-21, 25-21, 25-16). Emily Londot led the way, becoming the first player to record 10 kills and finishing with a match-high 16 kills. Londot also reached a significant career milestone with her 1,000th career dig while tying her career-high five aces and adding 13 digs. Eloise Brandewie recorded a career-high eight blocks, and Olivia Hasbrook contributed 10 digs.
After a tight first set, Ohio State closed it out with back-to-back aces from Londot. In the second set, the Buckeyes broke a 16-16 tie by going on a 4-0 run, securing a 25-21 win. Ohio State took early control in the third set with a 7-0 run and held off a late Miami push to clinch the match, 25-16.
Buckeyes Edge Buffalo in Five-Set Thriller
The next day, Ohio State (5-2) earned a hard-fought five-set win over Buffalo (3-6). After dropping the first set 16-25, the Buckeyes responded with a 25-19 second-set win. Buffalo regained the lead with a 25-21 third-set victory, but Ohio State bounced back in the fourth set, winning 25-21 to force a decisive fifth set.
The final set was a back-and-forth affair until a 5-0 Buckeye run gave Ohio State a lead they wouldn’t surrender. Londot delivered a season-high 29 kills along with 11 digs and seven blocks, while Rylee Rader added eight blocks. Hasbrook recorded 14 digs, contributing to Ohio State’s gritty victory.
Wright State Upsets Buckeyes to Conclude Sports Imports Classic
Ohio State (5-3) closed out the Sports Imports Classic with a disappointing four-set loss to Wright State (7-2). The Buckeyes started strong, taking the first set 25-17 after a pair of 7-2 runs. However, Wright State evened the match with a 25-21 second-set win and took control in the third, winning 25-18. The Raiders closed the match with a dominant 25-15 fourth set.
Despite the loss, Londot continued to lead the team with 15 kills and 10 digs, earning a double-double. Hasbrook recorded a career-high 21 digs, and Mia Tuman tallied 29 assists and 12 digs for her own double-double. Grace Egan also recorded her first double-double of the season with 10 kills and 10 digs.
Head Coach Jen Flynn Oldenburg’s Perspective
After the match, Head Coach Jen Flynn Oldenburg spoke about Londot’s leadership and how her performance can shift the momentum for the team. “Emily Londot is a leader for us, and we rely on her in big moments, even in the start of sets. She was scoring early on tips, and then they started to pick it up. She felt a little bit out of rhythm, but after talking with Mia Tuman, we adjusted, and Londot started swinging again. When Londot or anyone takes a big swing like that, it helps everyone else loosen up.”
Looking Ahead
With a 5-3 record, the Buckeyes are still finding their rhythm but have shown flashes of strong play, particularly from veteran leaders like Londot and up-and-coming contributors such as Hasbrook and Brandewie. As the season progresses, Ohio State will look to build on these early matches, refine their game, and continue to improve in preparation for conference play.
