Ohio State 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.
History made
The men's soccer team made history this weekend, notching a program record seventh straight win.
“I know it meant a lot to them coming into the game. They worked hard to accomplish this milestone," said Head Coach John Bluem in an Ohio State release.
HISTORY MADE. OSU 2, WIS 0 A program-record 7th straight win! Your Buckeyes are in 1st place in the B1G. #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/44aCE9DwZf
— OhioStateMen'sSoccer (@OhioState_MSOC) October 18, 2015
This streak follows a rocky start to the Buckeyes' season. After winning their home opener, the team dropped four straight matches against unranked opponents and managed just one goal over that span.
"After we started 1-4, we decided to take things one match at a time," Bluem said.
The change in mentality worked. The Buckeyes righted the ship with a come-from-behind 3-3 draw of current No. 4 Akron, and they have not lost since.
“We’ve come together as a team,” junior Christian Soldat said. “If one guy isn’t having the best game, we pick them up. It feels great having a team that’s always behind you. We are really in a groove.”
The Buckeyes are undefeated in their last nine matches and currently sit atop the Big Ten standings. They continue to gain national recognition as well. They're up to No. 15 in the latest NCAA RPI, and are climbing other national polls.
Jumping in the polls! Ohio State nationally ranked today by: @csoccernews: 19 @TopDrawerSoccer: 18 #GoBucks
— OhioStateMen'sSoccer (@OhioState_MSOC) October 19, 2015
Has the success hindered the team's focus? Not at all. The Buckeyes are still taking things one at a time.
"The most important game is Cleveland State now and that’s the mentality we have with our players,” Bluem said.
The Buckeyes host the Vikings, Wednesday, as they look to add to their streak.
leaders of the pack
The Ohio State women's volleyball team is on a seven match win-streak of their own, defeating No. 18 Purdue and Indiana this week.
OSU handed conference-leader Purdue their first conference loss to take the lead in the Big Ten, Friday.
BUCKEYES TAKE ANOTHER 5 SET THRILLER!!! After going down 2-1, the Bucks rally to win 3-2 vs. #18 Purdue! #PurDONT #GoBucks
— Block O Volleyball (@BlockOVball) October 17, 2015
The match was yet another five-set thriller. Ohio State had a season-best 13 aces –five of which were delivered by sophomore Luisa Schirmer.
Sunday afternoon's match against Indiana was not quite as closely contested. The Buckeyes won 3-1, improving to 18-2 on the season and extending their win streak to seven matches – their longest streak since 2006.
These Buckeyes are certainly turning heads. They're up to No. 7 in the coaches poll and No. 5 in the NCAA RPI. Halfway through conference play, it's clear they are legitimate title contenders and can play with anybody.
Ohio State fought their way to the top, but the real challenge will be staying there. With seven matches remaining against ranked opponents, the team cannot afford to become complacent.
On the docket this week is Michigan State and No. 23 Michigan, both on the road.
Other Scores and News
- Men's Hockey: Lost both games to No. 19 Miami (OH), 3-2 and 3-1 respectively.
- Women's Hockey: Fell to No. 1 Minnesota in both contests, 7-2 and 11-2.
- Women's Soccer: Dropped match to Rutgers 0-2 and defeated Indiana 2-1.
- Field Hockey: Lost to Indiana 3-0 and defeated Iowa 3-1.
- Men's Golf: Finished ninth of 15 at Tavistock Collegiate Invitational to round out their fall season.
- Men's Cross Country: Finished 21st at Pre-Nationals.
- Women's Cross Country: Finished 31st at Adidas Invitational
- Rifle: Set four program records over the weekend.
What's Happening This Week
- Men's Soccer: Hosts Cleveland State, Wednesday and visits Rutgers, Sunday.
- Women's Volleyball: Visits Michigan State, Wednesday and Michigan, Sunday.
- Men's Hockey: Visits No. 2 Providence, Friday and Saturday.
- Women's Hockey: Faces Minnesota State, Friday and Saturday
- Women's Soccer: Hosts Penn State Saturday.
- Field Hockey: Hosts Northwestern, Friday and California, Sunday.
- Rifle: Hosts UTEP in home-opener, Sunday.
