Ohio State probably is overrated as their record now is 4-4. However, they have played 7 ranked teams in 8 matches. The only unranked team they have played was Tennessee, who they swept yesterday.
I didn’t see the match live as I made the mistake of watching the Steelers, but I’m now in the third and final set of the replay on ESPN+.
Although the score in the first set was close, Pitt was in control throughout. I don’t think Ohio State had the lead once. The last tie, I believe was 5-5. Pitt basically led by two or more the rest of the way. Courtney Buzzerio led the offense and Rachel Fairbanks was all-around brilliant. She had a couple of service aces, set the ball really well, had 3 or 4 excellent digs and passed flawlessly. Akeo came in briefly to give her a rest, but I don’t think they ever will go back to equally sharing time as long as Fairbanks stays healthy. Of course, at 6’ Fairbanks also can be a hitter so they can sometimes be on the court together.
The second set was close at the beginning, but Pitt gradually pulled away and won easily. I think tOSU got its first lead of the match early in the second set at 1-0. Terrible challenge by tOSU early appeared to take some of the steam out of them. Pitt led 17-15 with Fairbanks serving, and she served out the setting with 8 straight points.
I didn’t see the match live as I made the mistake of watching the Steelers, but I’m now in the third and final set of the replay on ESPN+.
Although the score in the first set was close, Pitt was in control throughout. I don’t think Ohio State had the lead once. The last tie, I believe was 5-5. Pitt basically led by two or more the rest of the way. Courtney Buzzerio led the offense and Rachel Fairbanks was all-around brilliant. She had a couple of service aces, set the ball really well, had 3 or 4 excellent digs and passed flawlessly. Akeo came in briefly to give her a rest, but I don’t think they ever will go back to equally sharing time as long as Fairbanks stays healthy. Of course, at 6’ Fairbanks also can be a hitter so they can sometimes be on the court together.
The second set was close at the beginning, but Pitt gradually pulled away and won easily. I think tOSU got its first lead of the match early in the second set at 1-0. Terrible challenge by tOSU early appeared to take some of the steam out of them. Pitt led 17-15 with Fairbanks serving, and she served out the setting with 8 straight points.
