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.
Bucks Keep Winning
Ohio State knew the beginning of the season would be a bit of an adventure – in its first seven games, the team faced four top-10 opponents including the nation's top three teams.
The Buckeyes emerged from that stretch 4-3, losing just to Connecticut, South Carolina and Notre Dame – all 2015 Final Four teams. Since then, the team is without a blemish.
Kelsey Mitchell is the nation's second leading scorer averaging 24.6 points per game.
Ohio State is up to No. 5 in both polls and is currently on an eight game win-steak that includes victories over two ranked teams. This week, the Buckeyes rolled past conference foes Indiana and Rutgers to remain undefeated in the Big Ten.
Against Indiana, a second-half surge lifted the team. The Buckeyes started the game cold, missing nine of their first 10 shots, and led by just five points at halftime. In the second half, however, they came alive. Led by Kelsey Mitchell, who scored 15 of her game-high 23 points in the second half, the Buckeyes outscored the Hoosiers by 22 after halftime and cruised to a 97-70 win.
Ohio State carried the momentum into Sunday afternoon's game against Rutgers and its top defense. The Scarlet Knights entered the game as the No. 1 scoring defense in the Big Ten, allowing just 52.7 points per game. The Buckeyes eclipsed that mark midway through the third quarter and ended the game with more points than Rutgers had allowed all season, getting the win 90-78.
Ohio State will look to improve its winning streak to nine games with a road showdown against No. 16 Northwestern, Thursday.
Ohio State sophomore Alexis Mattern finished second all-around with a score of 39.125 (photo via OSU Athletics).
Opening Strong
The No. 22 Ohio State women's gymnastics team opened its season on the road this weekend, taking on Washington.
The Buckeyes opened with a score of 48.625 on uneven bars, led by senior Samantha Kent who tied her career high with a score of 9.850.
In vault, the second rotation, the team posted a score of 48.600 thanks to a meet-high 9.850 from sophomore Alexis Mattern.
In the third rotation, the Buckeyes put up a 48.450 on the floor exercise, led by 9.775 scores from both Mattern and sophomore Taylor Harrison.
The Scarlet and Gray posted a 48.600 on balance beam to close the match. Harrison led the way with a 9.825 and sophomore Stefanie Merkle posted a 9.775.
No. 22 Ohio State got the victory in the season opener, 194.275-193.725.
This was just the first of three road meets for the Buckeyes to start the season. Next up, the team travels to face Michigan, Jan. 16.
