The BGSU volleyball team concluded its season with a disappointing defeat against the Western Michigan Broncos in the MAC Tournament. The match, held on Saturday night, ended in a 3-1 loss for the Falcons, marking the second consecutive year they were ousted by the same opponent.
Match Overview: Falcons Fall to Broncos 3-1
The Falcons ended the season with a record of 17-15, including a 10-9 finish in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). In contrast, the Broncos, also with a record of 17-15, finished 13-5 in conference play, securing a crucial victory.
Key Moments from the Match
- First Set: Bowling Green initially led 6-1 before Western Michigan responded strongly. The set ended with the Broncos winning 25-21.
- Second Set: The Falcons improved, leveling the match at one set each, thanks to critical plays by Lauryn Hovey and a block by Helen Wilford.
- Third Set: Despite a strong start, Bowling Green fell victim to Western Michigan’s solid defense and lost 25-20.
- Fourth Set: The Broncos secured the match with another 25-20 win, completing their victory.
Performance Highlights
Amanda Otten was a standout player for Bowling Green, recording 40 assists that directed the team’s offense. Key contributors included:
- Lauryn Hovey – 11 kills
- Jessica Andrews – 8 kills
- Helen Wilford – 8 kills
Despite these efforts, the Falcons faced challenges with turnovers and Western Michigan’s strong defensive strategies.
Coach’s Reflections and Future Outlook
Head coach Alex DelPiombo expressed disappointment over the outcome and emphasized the need for learning from this season’s experiences. “Every detail matters,” she stated. DelPiombo noted that the unpredictable nature of volleyball makes preparation and resilience essential for future success.
The MAC Championship will feature the Western Michigan Broncos facing the No. 4 seeded Toledo Rockets. This match is scheduled for tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. at the Stroh Center, with full coverage available on El-Balad.
