This past week, the Falcons swept Kent State in back-to-back games, aligning themselves with Central Michigan at the top of the Mid-American Conference with a 9-2 record.
It took a minute in these sets for BG to find its rhythm, but once they did, they never looked back. The Orange and Brown have only been getting better as a team as the season has gone on, and it doesn’t seem as if they plan on slacking off.
On the flip side, their opponent, the Miami Redhawks, has not looked so strong this MAC season. The team only has one win, which came from their matchup against Kent, sitting at a 1-10 record.
Falcon Media Sports Network’s Chas McNeil and Carter Leonard will be on the call Friday starting at 6:15 p.m. on Falcon Radio, and Chas will be back on the call Saturday alongside Andrew Smith at 3:45 p.m. this time on WBGU 88.1 FM.
Matchup History
Miami has the upper hand in this series historically, sporting a 51-42 record against Bowling Green and a 16-24 record while at home.
However, the Falcons have taken the win in the past ten meetings between these two teams. BG swept the Redhawks in the last matchup at the Stroh Center last season.
Bowling Green Scouting Report
The Orange and Brown’s junior setter Amanda Otten has been spreading the ball out a lot more as the season has gone on, getting all of her hitters involved.
The Falcons have become much more active at the net in the past few weeks. The backcourt has been getting more first touches on tips and roll shots, while the front has been jumping to block hits off of overpasses and swinging at the overpasses made by their opponent.
This BG squad does not take any games off, and they never underestimate the opposition, especially now that they’re approaching the MAC playoffs.
Miami Scouting Report
The Redhawks have only won one game this MAC season but are 7-15 overall.
On offense, Miami is second to last in the MAC in kills, assists, and hitting percentage. However, they are first in the conference in service aces per set with 1.79.
Their defense is a different story. The Redhawks are fourth in blocks, ninth in digs, and allow the second to least service aces in the MAC.
Key Players
Amanda Otten (Bowling Green #11)
The junior setter had five kills on six attacks as well as 30 assists in the Falcon’s last match against Kent State. In addition, Otten also had three service aces and a block in the BG win.
She needs to continue her current level of play in order for the Falcons to continue to be successful. Her ability to block and attack well as a setter makes Otten a dangerous threat to any team Bowling Green goes up against.
Alexis Mettille (Bowling Green #16)
The fifth-year middle blocker has been the Falcon’s most consistent attacker. She has a season-hitting percentage of .409 and had five kills on eight total attacks in the last match. Mettille has also solidified herself as a great server, with 23 service aces this season.
Mettille is also improving every game as a defender. She has 89 total blocks so far this year, as well as 54 digs.
This sophomore outside hitter is the RedHawks’ ace. She has 169 kills on 520 total attacks. She had 12 kills in Miami’s last match against Toledo.
Her season high for kills is 23, and she swings accurately and with power. Williams will prove deadly if the Falcons don’t keep her in check.
