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CHICAGO, Ill. – The Ohio State University men’s volleyball team (10-19) gave 10th-ranked and second-seeded Loyola Chicago (20-7) a scare in the MIVA Quarterfinals before ultimately falling in four sets (25-15, 20-25, 25-14, 25-22) and putting an end to the 2019 season. Jake Hanes went out with a bang, delivering 18 kills at a .400 clip with five service aces for 20+ points.
In addition to Hanes’ aforementioned offensive explosion, Austin Gerwig came off the bench to deliver a team-high three block assists on the defensive side (Sanil Thomas also posted three blocks).
In a season which has been ravaged by injuries and illness, the Buckeyes had their full complement of options and complete starting lineup for just the second time since January. The abundant arsenal took a bit to gel, dropping the opening frame 25-15. Ohio State couldn’t slow down a sizzling Rambler offense which put away 15 of 23 error-free attempts to attack .652 in Set 1.
SET 2: It was the Buckeyes rolling in the second though, riding Hanes and his 11 points (eight kills, three aces) to a 25-20 equalizer. Trailing 6-4, Hanes ripped an ace to ignite a 4-point spurt lifting Ohio State ahead for good. The Ramblers would creep back to within one at 16-15 before another 4-0 run re-established the OSU gap. Not long after, Hanes shut the Set 2 door with his eighth kill of the period for a 25-20 winner.
SET 3: This one was all Ramblers from start to finish. Let’s move on.
SET 4: A whopping 21 tied scores ensued. The set’s first 10, 20, 30 and 40 points were split right down the middle with stalemates at 5-5, 10-10, 15-15 and 20-20. Reese Devilbiss was a key cog in keeping the Buckeyes alive, bouncing four kills on six swings. Ultimately it was Loyola Chicago ending on a 6-2 stretch, however, to close it out
Buckeyes prove to be a tough out in postseason scuffle at 10th-ranked Loyola Chicago.
Ohio State season comes to an end and the Covelli Center Era is officially upon us. pic.twitter.com/3ddAjulRrp
— OSU Men's Volleyball (@OhioStateMVB) April 14, 2019
