Bowling Green State University
OHIO STATE
Falcons Drop Five-Game Match to Ohio State
September 10, 2005 | Volleyball
Sept. 10, 2005
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - The BGSU Falcons volleyball squad ended their memorable weekend with a five-game thriller Saturday night against nationally-ranked Ohio State. After celebrating Coach Denise Van De Walle's 400th career win Friday night, the Falcons got right back to work, clobbering East Carolina 3-0 Saturday afternoon.
Defense was the key for BGSU in the East Carolina win, holding the Pirates to a .095 hitting percentage. The Falcons racked up 13 blocks and 78 digs as well.
"Digging 26 balls a game was huge for us," said Van De Walle.
"I really think our defense frustrated them," said assistant coach Mark Hardaway, "I don't think they expected us to play hard D all game long."
Freshman Meghan Mohr led the Falcon attack with 16 kills and a .343 hitting percentage. Redshirt sophomore Corrie Mills also contributed 11 kills to the winning effort to go along with her eight blocks against the Pirates.
East Carolina looked determined to make a comeback coming out of the locker room for game three, taking an early 3-0 edge. However, a barrage of Falcon kills tallied seven unanswered points which proved to be enough as BGSU coasted the rest of the way.
The win over East Carolina set up a Saturday night showdown against Ohio State, with the winner taking home the 2005 BGSU Invitational championship. The Brown and Orange came out very flat in game one, hitting just .116 in the 30-23 loss.
Game two unfortunately was of much the same, as the Falcons hit .087 in a 30-24 loss. Buckeye Danielle Meyer smashed 12 kills with a .409 percentage in the first two games.
Despite taking a two-game deficit into the locker room, the Falcons exited with confidence and a high level of energy.
"I told them to give what you got, to compete...you've got the 12th ranked team in our gym," said Van De Walle, "we were just laying down."
Game three was tight through out, with BGSU ending up on top of the 30-27 win. Redshirt freshman Kendra Halm stepped it up with two blocks and five kills on five attacks in game three.
The Brown and Orange was not satisfied after taking game three as they also took game four (30-26). Junior Chrissy Gothke was the star for the Falcons, compiling three kills, two blocks and 11 assists.
"I thought she took the game into her own hands and challenged them," said Van De Walle.
Even with all the momentum heading into the fifth and final game, the Falcons suffered a heart-breaking 15-9 loss. The Ohio State tandem of Ami Stevens and Meyer led the way for the Buckeyes as the Scarlet and Gray committed no hitting errors in the deciding game (11-0-21).
BGSU went 2-1 for the weekend and took second place in the 2005 BGSU Invitational. Mohr hit .314 with 37 kills for the weekend. Mills led the Falcons defensively, compiling 21 blocks.
"A great weekend all-around," said Van De Walle, "to go 2-0 for a spot in the championship, and then push Ohio State to five games was wonderful."
Gothke and Mohr represented BGSU as members of the All-Tournament team.
The Brown and Orange pack their bags and hit the road next weekend for the Courtyard by Marriot Blackbird Classic, hosted by Long Island-Brooklyn University. The Falcons will be in action both Friday and Saturday (Sept. 16-17).
