After a 2023 season in which Ohio finished second in the Mid-American Conference East Division, Ohio will begin 2024 as host of the Bobcat Invitational, which will bring three teams to Athens, Ohio.
About a decade ago, Ohio was one of the most dominant mid-major programs in NCAA Division I. However, since the Bobcats won their ninth MAC championship in 13 years in 2015, they have yet to find their way back to the top of the podium.
After some key departures last season, including Caitlin O’Farrell, who was named to the 2023 All-MAC team, Ohio enters the 2024 season with a significantly younger team and looks to replace talent with players old and new. It all starts at The Convo with the Bobcat Invitational.
Game information
Opponents: Wright State, Appalachian State, Xavier
Time(s): Friday at 6:30 p.m. (Xavier), Saturday at 1:00 p.m. (Appalachian State) and 7:00 p.m. (Wright State)
Location: The Convocation Center (Athens, Ohio)
Where to watch: ESPN+
Follow the live statistics here.
Story
Of its three opponents at the Bobcat Invitational, Ohio has only played its first opponent, Xavier. The only meeting between the two teams in 2022 ended in a 3-1 loss for the Bobcats. Kristy Frank led Ohio with 13 kills, while Tria McClean and Chariti McKellar each had 22 assists.
Notable Player (Xavier): Logan Flaugh
Last season, Xavier’s offense relied on a variety of options rather than just one dominant outside hitter. The team accomplished this with a record of 18-12, thanks in large part to their setter Carrington O’Reilly. However, O’Reilly has since graduated, so senior Logan Flaugh kept her spot as the team’s primary setter. The Bobcat Invitational will be Flaugh’s chance to prove herself as an established starter.
Player in focus (Appalachian State): Maya Winterhoff
Appalachian State was a team with a subpar record and a disappointing offense last season, but on defense, sophomore Maya Winterhoff was a pillar of strength. Winterhoff led her team with 130 blocks. While the question of where the offense will come from for Appalachian State remains unanswered, the team can rely on Winterhoff as a wall at center.
Notable Player (Wright State): Sam Ott
Wright State had two players with at least 350 kills last season: Megan Alders and Callie Martin. However, neither will be on the team this year, as Alders is now on the coaching staff and Martin has graduated. That leaves sophomore Sam Ott on the outside as someone who has a chance to take on the role of the main offensive player for Wright State. Ott is far from inexperienced, but in a hitting room that is younger than last season, she could look to take on the leadership role.
