Miami Student

Issue date: 11/6/07 Section: Sports

RedHawk middle hitter Carli Reihman takes on two Ohio blockers during Saturday night's match. Ohio was able to avenge its Sept. 28 loss to Miami, knocking off the 'Hawks 3-1. MU trails OU by two games in the MAC standings.

Going into the weekend, the Miami University volleyball team was one game behind Ohio University for the top spot in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) East Division standings. A strong sweep Friday night at Millett Hall of the team's first opponent, Kent State University, brought them within half a game of Ohio. But even with that momentum, the RedHawks were unable to pull off the upset of the Bobcats Saturday night.

The RedHawks made quick work of the Golden Flashes, who were tied with the Miami for second place in the MAC East, thanks in part to a career-high tying 21 kills from Alex Ratcliff.

"It's great to win in three, but we'll need to keep up the energy for (the Ohio) match," said senior Carli Reihman, prior to the Ohio game.

Head Coach Carolyn Condit emphasized before Saturday's game against Ohio the need to keep up their strong defense into the next match against the No. 16 ranked team in the country.

"We've been preparing all season and all week for this match against Ohio," Condit said. "We need to jump well and play strong defense to have a chance."

When Saturday rolled around, Ohio made its way into Millett Hall, while the RedHawks tried to keep the same poise and confidence they showed against Kent State.

Before their final match at Millett Hall, seniors Jeanna Staun and
Reihman were honored for their contributions to Miami's volleyball program.

In front of a crowd of 932 people Saturday, the RedHawks came out strong scoring three points in a row, starting on an ace by setter Andrea Atteberry. A side-out for Ohio brought the match back within two points, 6-4. As Ohio was on the verge of tying the match at 13-12, Ratcliff's big kill gave the 'Hawks an important point to keep the lead. Sophomore Megan Griffin had a strong first game, recording five kills. The two teams battled back and forth, with Miami keeping a slim three-point lead throughout the first game, eventually winning 30-26.

After a 1-0 lead, Miami failed to keep up the strong play. The RedHawks put themselves in an early hole, 8-2, after two early service errors by Ratcliff. Ohio extended its lead to 15-8. After Miami was able to close the gap within five points, 16-21, Ohio rallied off three straight points and closed out the game 30-28.

Continued...

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