By Ian Longo

Maryland women’s volleyball traveled to Columbus, Ohio Friday night to face off against the No. 18 Ohio State Buckeyes.

Ohio State prevailed with the victory in four sets (25-16, 20-25, 25-19, 25-12). With the defeat Maryland falls to 9-15 on the season, and 2-11 in Big Ten play. The Buckeyes improved to 17-8 overall and 8-5 in the Big Ten with the win on Friday.

Ohio State claimed the early lead at home during the first set and never relinquished it. The Terps were not able to climb back into the set after trailing 14-7 midway through the first match. Ohio State took the first set decisively: 25-16.

Maryland turned the tables on the Buckeyes in the second set, as the Terps were able to claim the early lead, starting the set up 11-5. However, the Buckeyes were able to fight back and tie up the game at 1l. With a good second half effort, the Terps were able to push back and claim the second set at a score of 25-20, and even the match 1-1.

After losing the second set, the nation’s No.18 team stormed out in the third set and took command. The Buckeyes dominated in the last two sets, defeating the Terps, 25-19 and 25-12 respectively.

In both sets the home team took the early lead and never gave it back to Maryland. Ohio State never trailed in any of its three victorious sets. Senior Ashleigh Crutcher led all Terps in kills with 16; freshman Hailey Murray was second with five kills.

Maryland has a quick turn around as head coach Steve Aird and the Terps travel to State College, Penn. to play the No.6 Penn State Nittany Lions on Saturday night. Penn State is 23-3 on the season, and 11-2 in conference play.