The Ohio State men’s volleyball team returned to its winning ways Friday.
Dropping both games in San Diego the previous weekend, the Buckeyes stormed back to Columbus to dismantle the St. Francis Red Flash 3-1.
“We have to keep working with that group that’s going to be on the floor,” said Pete Hanson, OSU coach. You look at the makeup of this group, and there are two brand new guys on the floor that have never played with those other three guys, and vice versa.”
OSU’s prompt start in the first two games sent a message to the visitors that the Buckeyes meant business.
“As far as getting a win in the first game, it helps us set the tone for the match,” said senior outside hitter Mark Lehman. “For the age of our team, I think it’s real important to start quick.”
The Buckeyes sputtered a little in third game, squandering a lead and losing the game 30-28.
“Coach told us you can play like that, but you’re going to lose (after the third game),” Lehman said.
The talk worked and ignited the Buckeyes in the fourth game beginning with a spike by sophomore middle hitter Brett Hamilton.
Kill after kill, the Buckeyes inched closer to the magic mark of 30 points. They eventually hit the mark and finished off the Red Flash.
Tom Trantow, senior outside hitter, led the team in kills with 21 in the victory.
“We have been starting off strong, and finishing strong,” Trantow said. “We’re all right starting off — that’s not the question, the issue right now is how well do we play throughout the match. Each point we should be getting more intense throughout the match.”
The Buckeyes are back in action this Saturday and Sunday at St. John Arena to play Springfield.
