Ohio State Women's Volleyball: MVP and Breakout Player

After covering Ohio State Women's Volleyball all season, two players stood out above the rest for me.  One of them I would call the team's MVP (and it's not close) and the other is the team's breakout player of the year (in my opinion).

Starting off with the obvious, Mari Hole was far and away the most important and most talented player on this team.  She consistently brought astounding performances in all aspects of the game.  Not only was she Ohio State's most dangerous outside hitter, but Hole was also Ohio State's best passer in 2012. While Davi DiSalvatore picked up more digs, it was Hole who truly carried the defense at times.

This senior should absolutely be an All-American selection, it would be the second year in a row.

Now, onto the team's breakout player of the year.

Kaitlyn Leary truly stepped it up, especially towards the end of the season.  While Hole and Danks got the headlines it was Leary who improved the most.  When Emily Danks struggled (at least by her standards) towards the end of the year, Leary came in and was a dangerous second option behind Hole.  At times she was even the first option.

Leary's impact on this year's team was truly summed up in the teams NCAA Tournament opening victory over Notre Dame.  Leary finished the match with 16 kills and 0 errors.  

Watch out Big Ten, Ohio State may be losing Danks and Hole but Leary is looking like a budding All-American as well.