Mastodons Set to Host Buckeyes and Bearcats

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The ninth-ranked (American Volleyball Coaches Association) IPFW men's volleyball team is set to take on No. 12 Ohio State on Friday, February 20 at 7 p.m. in the Gates Center. The Mastodons also host McKendree on Saturday, February 21 at 7 p.m.

Quick Hitters

• The Mastodons are 10-10 in the following match after playing the top-ranked team in the nation
• IPFW holds an 8-19 record when facing the No. 12 ranked team in the nation, including a win over No. 12 Ohio State on February 24, 2006.
• The Mastodons are 37-66 all-time against Ohio State.
• The 'Dons are currently ranked No. 9 in the AVCA Top-15 Poll.
• Saturday will mark the first meeting between IPFW and McKendree.
• Luis Bertran was named MIVA Defensive Player of the Week for the second-straight week, extending IPFW's
streak of four-weeks with a MIVA Player of the Week. Bertran combined for 25 digs (3.12 per set) during the
week at Ball State and against George Mason.
• Alex Harthaller was named National Freshman of the Week, from Off the Block, for the second-straight
week. Harthaller combined for 33 kills, 12 digs, three blocks, and hit .446 during the week between
Ball State and George Mason.
• The Mastodons will play 13 matches with teams which were ranked or received votes in the AVCA Preseason
Top-15 Poll, including two matches against defending NCAA champion Loyola-Chicago.
• Mastodon head coach Arnie Ball is in his final season wearing Blue and White before entering retirement. Ball has the third-most wins (561) among active coaches and the fifth-most overall. Ball was inducted into the AVCA
Hall of Fame in 2012.

Gameday Information vs. Ohio State

Scouting the Mastodons

IPFW enters the match after falling to top-ranked Loyola on Thursday night, 0-3. The loss ended a seven-match home win streak for the 'Dons.
• Luis Bertran enters the match as the MIVA Defensive Player of the Week for
the second-consecutive week. Bertran combined for 25 digs (3.12 per set) during
the week at Ball State and against George Mason. Bertran was a perfect 54-0 on
reception attempts. Additionally, Bertran earned his 500th career dig at Ball State.
• Alex Harthaller enters the match as a two-time recipient of National Freshman
of the Week, from Off the Block. Harthaller combined for 33 kills, 12 digs, three
blocks, and hit .446 during the week between Ball State and George Mason.

All-Time Series vs. Ohio State

The Buckeyes lead the all-time series 66-37, but have lost the last four meetings against the Mastodons. IPFW swept the regular season series against Ohio State last year before earning a 3-0 win during the MIVA Tournament on April 19. Of the last four matches, four of them have been in Fort Wayne.

Scouting the Buckeyes

Ohio State is currently on a seven-match win streak, following a home victory over Saint Francis on February 15.
• Nicolas Szerszen leads the Buckeyes in kills (44), digs (60), attack percentage (.363), and is tied with Michael Henshy for the most team aces (20).
• Christy Blough Paces Ohio State in assists (450), while Shawn Herron leads the Buckeyes in total blocks (36).

Gameday Information vs. McKendree

Date: Saturday, February 21 | 7 p.m.
Location: Fort Wayne, Ind. | Gates Center (1,800)
Live Stats: IPFW Sidearm Live Stats
Series History: First Meeting
Last Meeting: First Meeting

All-Time Series vs. McKendree

This is the first meeting between IPFW and McKendree. The Bearcats are in their first season with the MIVA.

Scouting the Bearcats

McKendree enters the weekend looking for its first MIVA win of the season. The Bearcats earned a 3-0 sweep over King on February 15.
• Jared Wilcox leads the Bearcats with 167 kills, while Ian Zalewski has earned 443 assists for McKendree.
• Nolan Rueter paces McKendree with 82 digs, while Brendan Schmidt has recorded 56 blocks for the Bearcats.

~ Feel the Rumble ~

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Players Mentioned

Luis Bertran

Alex Harthaller

Purdue University Fort Wayne Athletics