Ohio State has lost its #1 ranking in men's volleyball and is currently #7, but can make up some lost ground as it begins five straight matches against ranked opposition.

The first match is in the books, a 25-23, 25,23, 25-17 sweep of #14 Lewis University at the Covelli Center. Next up is #13 Loyola-Chicago, also at the Covelli Center. Included among the five ranked teams are the California teams Ohio State beat earlier, #11 USC and #4 UCLA in the Big Ten/Pac 12 Challenge. #12 Ball State, back home and in the MIVA, rounds out this part of the schedule.

A strong showing in these five matches could make a big difference when NCAA Tournament time comes around. Only seven teams are admitted to the Division I Men's Volleyball Tournament, so climbing from #7 to, let us say, #5 would much improve OSU's chances to make the tournament and avoid the opening round match between the sixth and seventh seeds. So GO BUCKS!