BYU Volleyball Sweeps Ohio State in Season Opener

Fifth ranked BYU Men’s Volleyball opened their season at home with a sweep over #7 Ohio State.

The Cougars opened up strong in the first set and built a comfortable lead, as sophomore Gabi Garcia Fernandez led the Cougar attack. BYU won the set 25-20.

The Buckeyes challenged the Cougars better in the second set, but consistent play from Garcia Fernandez, supported by junior Miki Jauhiainen and Italian newcomer Davide Gardini, led the Cougars past the Buckeyes to win the second set, 25-23.

Ohio State opened the third set strong, and led 17-13 before BYU Head Coach Shawn Olmstead called a timeout. Coming out of the timeout, Gardini took over, displaying his athleticism from the 3-meter line, as well as his defense. The Cougars went on a 7-0 tear, highlighted by a ferocious Gardini ace and a vital block by Garcia Fernandez against Ohio State’s 6’10” Jake Hanes, who had dominated the third set for the Buckeyes.

Ohio State went on a 3-0 run, at which point the Cougars and Buckeyes traded points. The Cougars found themselves down 24-23, with Ohio State threatening to force a fourth set. Gardini took over at this point, and the Cougars completed the sweep with a 27-25 set victory.

The Cougars are now 1-0, and will host Ball State on Saturday night at 7 pm. Ohio St. falls to 2-1 on the season.