Buckeye excellence is not exclusive to the football field or the basketball court. Around the Oval is our way of keeping you informed of the amazing things happening with the other 34 varsity sports on campus.
Women's Basketball Takes Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
The women of Ohio State had an eventful seven days with three games, including two away in different states.
The Bucks opened the week on Monday with a 65-55 win in Minnesota. Ohio State went on a 16-0 run in the final quarter to push the game out of reach. Freshman Aaliyah Patty scored 20 points, the best output of her young career.
On Thursday, the Bucks hosted the Fighting Illini, winning 78-70. It was an offensive affair; Ohio State scored its season-high in points and poured in 12 three-pointers, a new season high. Four players finished with ten or more points, led by Makayla Waterman's 18 points on an efficient 6/9 from the field.
The women's basketball team ended their busy week last night in Evanston, falling to Northwestern 59-76. The Buckeyes ended the first half with more turnovers (10) than made field goals (8) and could not overcome its miscues. Freshman forward Dorka Juhasz contributed the most for the Buckeyes, scoring a team-high 14 points to go with seven rebounds, four steals (season-high), and two blocks.
Ohio State is back in action Thursday night in the Schott.
Men's Lacrosse Opens Season with a Victory
In front of a sold-out crowd at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, the men's lacrosse team defeated Cleveland State 12-9. The Vikings opened the scoring in the first period, but No. 15 Ohio State quickly answered with three straight goals. The Buckeyes would hold the advantage the rest of the way.
The home team relied on a balanced offensive attack to get past the Vikings, including three-goal efforts from Jack Jasinski and Tre Leclaire. Josh Kirson recorded 16 saves, the most in a single game since 2016. Ohio State remains undefeated in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center (23-0).
Ohio State will host Boston College this coming Saturday.
Men's Volleyball Splits Two Matches
The men's volleyball team continued its disappointing start on Friday, dropping a five-set match to the visiting Saint Francis Red Flashes. The Buckeyes dropped the first two sets, but stormed back in the third and fourth, winning those 25-21 and 27-25. St. Francis put the game away in the fifth, however, edging out Ohio State 12-15.
Martin Lallemand led the Bucks in kills while Parker Mikesch set up 39 points. Despite Ohio State's defensive supremacy at the net (out-blocked the Red Flashes 16-11.5), St. Francis' Michael Fisher recorded 27 kills.
The Buckeyes were able to get back on track Saturday, however, beating Lincoln Memorial in four sets. The win put Ohio State at 4-5 on the season. Senior Blake Leeson recorded 12 kills at an incredible .857 clip, his second time over .800 this season. Four Buckeyes recorded 10+ kills.
The scarlet and gray will travel to Purdue Fort Wayne tomorrow night for a match against the Mastodons.
