No. 15 Ohio State Gears Up to Clash with McKendree in Thrilling MIVA Semifinals
Overview of the Upcoming Showdown
On Wednesday, April 23, at 8 p.m. ET, the trailblazing No. 15 Ohio State Buckeyes (17-10) will hit the road to face off against the tenacious No. 12 McKendree Bearcats (20-7) in the semifinal round of the 2025 Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) Tournament. With the stakes high and excitement palpable, this matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter for volleyball fans.
Key Match Details
- Date: Wednesday, April 23
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Venue: Melvin Price Convocation Center
- NCAA Championships Tickets: Click Here
- Live Streams: GLVSC.com/McKendree
- Live Stats: OhioStateBuckeyes.com
- Rosters: Ohio State | McKendree
- Season Stats: Ohio State | McKendree | MIVA | NCAA
- Match Notes: Ohio State | McKendree
Path to the Semifinals
Ohio State, seeded No. 3, marched into the semifinals with confidence, showcasing their skill with a decisive 3-1 victory over No. 6 Lindenwood in the quarterfinals last Saturday. Notably, Shane Wetzel led the way for the Buckeyes, tallying an impressive 16 kills, marking his 1,000th career kill, along with 11 digs, four aces, and two blocks.
Star Players to Watch
The Buckeyes are not short on talent, with four players recognized for their remarkable performances this season by earning All-MIVA honors. Senior standout Cole Young, junior star Shane Wetzel, and freshman sensation Stanislaw Chacinski all earned First Team All-MIVA honors, while fellow freshman setter Daniel Henwood Rodriguez claimed a spot on the All-MIVA Second Team, and Chacinski was awarded Newcomer of the Year—an accolade Ohio State players have now received seven times in history.
On a Winning Streak
Ohio State has been on a roll lately, clinching six straight victories, including three against teams ranked in the Top 15. In fact, they’ve crafted an impressive 11 wins in their last 13 outings, showcasing their ability to thrive under pressure.
Recent Match Highlights
- Previous Encounters Against Ranked Teams:
- Narrow victory over No. 10 McKendree (3-2)
- Convincing wins against No. 15 Ball State (3-1) and No. 14 Lewis (3-1).
Milestones and Achievements
Wetzel’s outstanding performance during the regular season earned him the title of MIVA Co-Offensive Player of the Week following his incredible feats that included 40 kills and 20 digs against Quincy. Additionally, his consistent efforts and ability to shine in high-pressure situations have not gone unnoticed, as he was also named the AVCA National Player of the Week earlier in the season.
Historical Context
- Ohio State’s strong performance in league play continues as they strive for their third consecutive season with 10 or more wins in league play. Their success story includes winning the MIVA postseason tournament in both 2023 and 2024, paving the way for their appearances at the NCAA championships.
What’s Next?
The winner of this semifinal match will face off against either No. 1 seed Loyola Chicago or No. 4 seed Lewis in the MIVA title match, which will be hosted by the highest remaining seed post-semifinals.
With everything on the line, fans can expect an explosive atmosphere as the Buckeyes and Bearcats collide in a bid for glory.
Join the Action: Don’t Miss the Opportunity to Support Your Team!
Tickets are available now, so be sure to grab yours and cheer on the Buckeyes as they battle for the MIVA championship!
#GoBucks
