Women’s Volleyball: Ohio State showed grit and promise in underwhelming 2024 campaign

Samuel Ing
Fri, 06 Dec 2024 05:08:09 +0000
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The Buckeyes huddle together prior to their 3-2 victory over Indiana Nov. 24 at the Covelli Center. Credit: Michael Misel | Lantern Photographer

The 2024 season was a battle of inches for the Buckeyes.?

Despite a 14-16 overall record, the Buckeyes’ resilience shined in a season defined by nail-biting matches and hard-fought sets that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

In a season full of challenges, the Buckeyes proved they could compete with the nation’s best, pushing ranked powerhouses USC, Penn State, Minnesota and Wisconsin to the final moments in thrilling five-set matches. The team even struck gold, sweeping No. 20 Miami 3-0 Sept. 13.?

Head coach Jen Flynn Oldenburg said significant moments throughout the season, even those with undesired results, helped set the tone for the following games.

“We hit some points throughout the whole year, and I think the Miami match was a big one,” Oldenburg said. “I feel like Penn State at home set the tone: ‘Hey, we could compete with top teams.’ I think the Minnesota loss at home just made us work harder, you know, and have more intent.”

Middle blocker Rylee Rader said the team improved after every game, noting that the Buckeyes didn’t let the nation’s top teams dominate them.?

“We got 1% better, maybe even more percent better, after every practice; you could see us improving in every game,” Rader said. “Did we win all of the games? No, but we pushed Penn State to five, we pushed USC to five, Wisconsin to five and Minnesota to five — like, all these great teams, and no one realizes how hard that is. We didn’t just lay down and let those teams beat up on us, and that’s something to be proud of.”

Outside hitter Emily Londot said her leadership skills grew this season, as she implemented more constructive feedback into learning moments.

“It was just the importance of celebrating the good, as well as the learning moments,” Londot said. “But I think I’ve learned this year that you need to counter those with positives, like when they do something well, I need to tell them, ‘That was good,’ just to build that relationship, and so they respect it when I give them constructive feedback.”

Londot said, beginning with a sweep of Rutgers Nov. 16, she enjoyed the three-game win streak toward the end of the season.

“It’s those big wins. At the end of the season, when we beat Washington, and no one thought we could, that was a huge moment,” Londot said. “And then coming into the following Sunday, beating Indiana after we had already played them once in the season, I think that was a big moment for our team. And, yeah, that weekend was really fun.”

As Londot is heading to the Pro Volleyball Federation, Oldenburg said the achievement sheds a positive light on the Ohio State volleyball program as a whole.?

“As much as [Londot is] excited, it’s exciting for the program. The current players, future recruits, all that stuff, see that it’s possible and want to do that.” Oldenburg said. “So, [Londot is] a role model for her teammates and the future Buckeyes.”

Oldenburg said the team must fill the holes of graduating players and will work hard in the spring to prepare for the upcoming season.

“It’s an evolution, and every year, it is slightly different. Losing Rader and Londot will be tough shoes to fill. And so, who’s going to step up and fill those roles and then who’s willing to take on a more significant load?” Oldenburg said. “We have a lot of question marks right now, but I know that we’re going to fight hard, and we’re going to work hard this spring. At this time of year, you could be sad that the season is over, but I’m also energized and excited, and I’m ready to move forward.”