MINNEAPOLIS — Hugh McCutcheon and the Gophers Volleyball team are headed back to the Sweet 16 for an eighth-straight season.
"I think it often times gets lost on a lot of people, but the idea that there're just 16 teams practicing today out of, whatever it is, three-hundred and change, that's a real thing, so we don't take it lightly," said Minnesota head coach Hugh McCutcheon.
Minnesota (22-8) will face a familiar opponent on Thursday, taking on Big Ten foe Ohio State. The Buckeyes and Gophers split the two regular season meetings with each road team winning the two matchups.
"You know the energy is going to be crazy, this is a big game," said Gophers sophomore Arica Davis.
Minnesota last played Ohio State Nov. 25, a match the Gophers won 3-1.
"There is something different about playing someone from our own conference. Especially since we've seen them before, it's sort of like that hometown familiarity almost," said Gophers freshman Carter Booth.
Minnesota is coming off impressive wins over SE Louisiana and Northern Iowa over the weekend in the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament.
"I really liked the way we blocked and defended, that seemed like it was a strength for us, so it feels like there's a lot of good. Feels like we're playing good volleyball at a time when we want to be playing good," McCutcheon said.
The Gophers are playing well as of late, entering Thursday on a five-match winning streak, having won nine of their last 11 matches.
"We've put in the work and I think we've proved that we deserve to be here. Being able to step on the court and play at our fullest potential, is something that every girl dreams of. I'm pumped. I'm excited," Booth said.
Thursday's match will be played in Austin, starting at 11:00 AM CT. The winner will advance to the Elite Eight and play the Texas-Marquette winner Saturday.
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