After falling in a four-set battle against Northwestern, Maryland volleyball hopes to snap its four-game losing streak while defending its home court with back-to-back weekend games against Ohio State
and Michigan.
Historically, Maryland has struggled against both programs, with an 8-17 record against the Buckeyes and a 3-18 record against the Wolverines. But the Terps have won their past two contests against Ohio State — and they’ll look for a repeat of their 2023 result against Michigan, when they defeated the Wolverines at home.
Saturday’s contest against Ohio State will start at 1 p.m. and Sunday’s contest against Michigan will start at 2 p.m. Both matches will stream on Big Ten Plus.
Ohio State Buckeyes (3-17, 0-12 Big Ten)
2024 record: 14-16, 7-13 Big Ten
Led by fifth-year head coach Jen Flynn Oldenburg, Ohio State had a tough start to 2025. With only three wins during the non-conference slate, things didn’t look good for the Buckeyes heading into conference play.
Those struggles worsened in the Big Ten slate — the Buckeyes have yet to earn a conference victory this season. Their only five-set conference game came against UCLA, a team the Terps swept earlier this season.
Players to watch
Mia Tuman, junior setter, No. 9 – Tuman has showcased her two-way style this season, leading the Buckeyes with 606 assists and also notching 151 digs. The Buckeyes will look for Tuman to set up the offense while also defending the court.
Olivia Hasbrook, sophomore defensive specialist, No. 6 — Hasbrook has been a crucial defender for the Buckeyes, leading the team with 246 digs this season. Hasbrook and Tuman will be the duo to best avoid when the Terps attack.
Strength
Attempts. While it’s been a tough season for the Buckeyes, where they have fallen behind in every category, they are able to set up for attacking attempts. They have had more tries at kills than their opponents. Maryland will need to strike strongly in the soft spots to not allow Ohio State opportunities to set up.
Weakness
Errors. The Buckeyes have been putting themselves into sticky situations due to errors, as they have faulted for more attacking and serving errors. Maryland will look to put power in their shots and serves and pressure Ohio State throughout the game.
Michigan Wolverines (15-8, 5-7 Big Ten)
2024 record: 18-13, 8-12 Big Ten
Led by third-year head coach Erin Virtue, Michigan excelled in an impressive nonconference slate, going 10-1 with seven of those games finishing in straight-set sweeps.
However, conference play has been a roller coaster this season. Despite beating then-No. 10 Minnesota, then-No. 19 Penn State and Iowa, they are currently below .500 in the Big Ten.
Players to watch
Serena Nyambio, senior middle blocker, No. 1 — Nyambio has been a brick wall this season, leading the Wolverines with 106 blocks — second best in the conference. Michigan will rely on her to defend its side.
Morgan Burke, junior setter, No. 7 — Burke has been a two-way factor for the Wolverines, leading the team with 584 assists and second in digs with 178. Burke can be a factor throughout the game.
Strength
Offensive output. Michigan can still put points up with anyone in the Big Ten, despite their conference struggles. The Wolverines are fifth in the conference in kills per set at 13.58.
Weakness
Serves. Michigan’s biggest flaw is serving. They have committed more serving errors than their opponents, failing to take opportunities to build momentum.
Three things to watch
1. Can Maryland continue the winning streak against the Buckeyes? Maryland has beaten Ohio State in back-to-back matchups and is aiming for a third consecutive victory against the Buckeyes.
2. Get ready for a blocking battle against Michigan. That matchup will showcase the second and third-best blockers in the conference.
3. Snapping a four-game losing streak. Once again, the Terps are looking to snap another losing streak in conference play. They will need to take advantage of every easy point given.
