COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — After winning back-to-back conference tournament titles, the Ohio State men's volleyball team has its sights set on the next step in the postseason: the NCAA Tournament. OSU will play Grand Canyon in the national quarterfinals on Tuesday night in Long Beach, California.
And for Pacific Palisades native Justin Howard, this week's tournament is more of a business trip than a homecoming as the Buckeyes seek their fourth NCAA title since 2011.
“I'm really looking forward to it. I'm sure I'll have a lot of friends and family there, too. It'll be nice to get out and feel a little bit closer to home,” Howard said. “We know we can go ahead and beat any team in the country because we’re playing with confidence and we have the players to beat any team in the country, so we just have to make sure we have the right game plan. Just put it together and run with it.”
OSU defeated Lindenwood in four sets to win the 19th Midwest Collegiate Volleyball Association Tournament. It's the latest performance for a team that beat UCLA and USC in January, propelling the Buckeyes to the No. 1 ranking for several weeks.
“I think it was tough for them to meet those expectations on top of adversity that they can't control,” coach Kevin Birch said. “And if that builds their character, develops their confidence and by the end of the year they can really show the confidence they've gained, then we'll be in a really good position.”
Jacob Pasteur led the Buckeyes' offense with 379 kills and was one of four OSU players named to this year's All-America team by the American Volleyball Coaches Association. He is also one of six seniors looking to end their Ohio State careers on a high note.
“What I understand is that physically we're very well matched with everyone, but it's about who's there mentally, who's going to show up and perform when it matters most.” '' said Pasteur.
The winner of Tuesday night's game, scheduled for 10:30 p.m., will face Belmont Abbey or Long Beach State in the national semifinals Thursday night.The national championship is scheduled for Saturday at 5 p.m.
“They already know how to win. They know how to work hard. They know how to make money,” Birch said. “That's a big reason why I'm confident going into this championship. They know how to get it done and they know what it takes.”