Saturday was a memorable day for Ohio State women’s volleyball team captain Stacey Gordon.
Gordon, a junior outside hitter from Canada, walked off the court at Indiana University as OSU’s new career kill leader with 1,806 kills. She was also named the Big Ten Player of the Week for the second consecutive week, an honor she has carried three times this season.
“I really think it’s a reflection of team stuff,” OSU coach Jim Stone said. “It’s great for our team to feel good about. She plays in every match. She plays through injuries.”
Sophomore outside hitter Amanda Miller said the team is excited about Gordon’s achievement.
“We are so proud of her and that is just such a huge accomplishment,” she said.
But the landmark was bittersweet as the Buckeyes fell to the Hoosiers in four games.
“Saturday we weren’t there mentally,” senior setter Heather Whalen said. “With every game, it’s a learning experience.”
Gordon tallied 14 kills in the loss, while Miller added 13 kills. Sophomore outside hitter Katherine Grant recorded four blocks to lead OSU.
Although she is excited about her record, Gordon said she is disappointed the celebration came with a loss.
“I think we didn’t give ourselves a chance to win,” she said. “We weren’t playing like we know how to play.”
The Buckeyes started the weekend with a 3-1 win against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind. Gordon recorded a career-high 41 kills and 23 digs in the victory, while Miller tacked on 18 kills.
“I thought it was going perfect on Friday,” Stone said. “We have to get over the hump of playing twice in a weekend.”
OSU returns to St. John Arena tomorrow night and Sunday afternoon to face two Big Ten rivals from the state up north: Michigan and Michigan State.
Stone said with the end of the season approaching, each game gets more difficult.
“It’s tough at this point to represent ourselves well and play well every time out,” he said.
Gordon said the Buckeyes will need to be prepared to play in order to be successful.
OSU has six opportunities left to raise its 10-12 overall record and 4-10 Big Ten record. As with any conference match up, the Buckeyes will need a great team effort to finish with two victories.
Whalen, a Michigan native, said she looks forward to the challenge.
“I like to play teams that will give you a run and are all sassy through the net,” she said.
