No. 9 Ohio State defeats Tennessee, heads to regionals

The Ohio State women’s volleyball team got a stark reminder that nothing comes easy in the NCAA tournament. Every match, every set, every point is a little bit harder the deeper teams go.

After a comfortable first set win in a second-round matchup with Tennessee Saturday, the Buckeyes were dominated in the second set, sending a hint of doubt through those present at the Covelli Center.

But in the next two sets, Ohio State made enough plays at the net to keep its season alive.

The No. 9 Buckeyes defeated the Lady Vols 3-1 (2518, 14-25, 25-21, 25-21) to advance to the regional semifinals next Thursday in Louisville, Kentucky, against No. 8 Georgia Tech.

Outside hitter Gabby Gonzales hit .225 and led the Buckeyes with 15 kills. Opposite hitter Emily Londot added 13 kills on a .241 hitting percentage, followed by middle blocker Rylee Rader who had 10 kills and hit .304.

Tennessee had the game tied at 16, 17 and 19 in the fourth set, making the Buckeyes sweat a potential fifth set. With a chance to tie the game at 21, Rader and Londot combined for a huge block on Tennessee outside Lily Felts. On the next two points, Londot and Gonzales put away sets from Mac Podraza to ensure there would be no fifth set.

They’ll take the win, but by no means was it a match that will be used as an example of how to get past regionals to a potential date with No. 1 Louisville.

“The stat line says we should’ve lost,” coach Jen Flynn Oldenburg said. “To come out with a win was huge. I think it’s great for our team to fight through those nerves and fight hard together and survive and advance.”

For a second straight season, the Buckeyes have reached the regional semifinals. That alone is an accomplishment. However, there’s plenty more remaining on their list that the Buckeyes want to check off.

“This is a big win for us. I don’t want to take that lightly,” Flynn Oldenburg said. “But I also know where we want to be as a staff and a program. Especially the players in the locker room, they want more.” jmyers@dispatch.com

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ALIE SKOWRONSKI/COLUMBUS DISPATCH Ohio State defensive specialist Kylie Murr (6) hugs a teammate after winning the second-round NCAA game against Tennessee 3-1 (25-18, 14-25, 25-21, 25-21).