Ohio State was able to overcome an early deficit to win its record fourth consecutive conference title and advance to the Final Four.
Ohio State defeated Loyola 21-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-17 in the MIVA Tournament championship match on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio, to receive conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
With this victory, Ohio State (24-6, 11-1 MIVA) becomes the second MIVA team in more to win four consecutive conference championships. Ball State won five consecutive MIVA titles between 1964-68.
This was the second consecutive season the Buckeyes rallied from an early deficit win the championship. Ohio State overcame a 2-1 deficit to win in five game in the MIVA championship match last season against Loyola.
The men’s volleyball NCAA Tournament is comprised of four teams — the three conference champions and one at-large team.
The Buckeyes were the second team to clinch a spot in the NCAA Tournament on Saturday. Penn State swept Springfield College to win its 13th consecutive EIVA championship.
Ohio State will likely be the No. 2 or No. 3 seed for the NCAA Tournament depending on the winner of the MPSF Tournament championship match tonight between USC and UC Santa Barbara. The at-large bid and seeding for the Final Four will be announced Sunday afternoon.
Both NCAA semifinals will be Thursday and winners will advance to the national championship match Saturday.