TOLEDO, OH – Toledo volleyball opened up Homecoming Weekend with a 3-1 victory over East Division foe Ohio on Friday evening in Savage Arena. This is the first time Toledo has defeated the Bobcats since 1999. With the victory, the Rockets improve to 11-8 on the season and 4-3 in the MAC. The Bobcats drop to 9-10 overall and 5-2 in the league.
 
"We had a great team win tonight," said head coach Greg Smith. "We knew Ohio would be a tough team to defeat. Even when they were down by two, we know they would find a way to come back. I'm excited about this win but were still going to take it one match at a time."
 
Toledo's balanced attack effort was powered by junior MB Annie Beasley (11 kills), junior MB Rachel Vidourek (10 kills) and junior OH Saige Thomas (10 kills). Sophomore S Carly Townsend backed the attack with 43 assists.
 
Defensively, sophomore libero Maurissa Leonard led the backcourt with 19 digs. Sophomore DS Andrea Stephenson added 12 dig, senior DS Maggie Johnston notched 11 and junior DS Lauren Bakaitis followed with 10.
 
The only time UT trailed in Set 1 was the first point of the frame. Toledo secured the victory despite being outhit by the Bobcats, .342-.297.
 
The Rockets continued its momentum into the second set and took a 2-0 lead over Ohio. The Bobcats edged UT in kills (13-11) but recorded eight service errors.  
 
Set 3 saw a match-high seven tie scores. The Bobcats were able to stay alive with a 25-22 victory.
 
Toledo outhit Ohio .310-.132 en route to a decisive 25-14 win in Set 4.
 
The Rockets return to Savage Arena tomorrow for a 7:30 p.m. contest vs. Kent State.