Check out the FloVolleyball NCAA Countdown, where we rank the top 20 collegiate women's volleyball teams in the country leading up to opening day on August 26. The No. 13 spot goes to Ohio State this year, and here's why:

The Upshot

Two of the last three final fours have included schools from the host region (Washington in 2013 and Nebraska in 2015). The 2016 National Championship is in Columbus, home to Ohio State.

Last Season

• 25-10 overall, 12-8 in Big Ten (6th place)
• 2-1 in NCAA Tournament (lost 3-2 to Washington @ Lexington)
• No. 17 in final 2015 RPI
• Team hitting percentage: .242 (#56 in nation)
• Opponents' hitting percentage: .176 (#43 in nation)
• Team blocks per set: 2.53 (#36)

The Players

RETURNING STARS

​Taylor Sandbothe | 6-2 | Senior | Middle Blocker
2.96 kills/set (.366); 1.26 blocks/set; First Team All-American

Audra Appold | 6-1 | Sophomore | Outside Hitter
2.77 kills/set (.195); 0.45 blocks/set

Taylor Hughes | 6-1 | Sophomore | Setter
9.23 assists/set; 0.62 blocks/set

Valeria León | 5-6 | Senior | Libero
4.31 digs/set

PROMISING NEWCOMERS

Madison Smeathers | 6-3 | Freshman | Middle Blocker
First Team Prep Volleyball All-American

Ana Beatritz Franklin | 5-11 | Freshman | Outside Hitter
From Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Brooke Bailey | 6-2 | Freshman | Outside Hitter

Camry Halm | 5-2 | Freshman | Defensive Specialist

Jenna Adams | 5-10 | Freshman | Defensive Specialist

Alexa Turk | 5-11 | Freshman | Defensive Specialist

BIGGEST LOSSES

Elizabeth Campbell | 6-2 | Outside Hitter
3.68 kills/set (.244); 0.58 blocks/set

Katie Mitchell | 6-2 | Outside Hitter
1.93 kills/set (.209); 0.33 blocks/set

Tyler Richardson | 6-1 | Middle Blocker
1.21 kills/set (.283); 0.93 blocks/set

Non-Conference Matches to Watch

August 27 vs. Texas A&M @ North Texas
September 3 vs. BYU

Outlook

Senior middle blocker Taylor Sandbothe is a bona fide star. She's one of those middles who makes opposing teams breathe a sigh of relief when she rotates out of the front row. Outside hitter Audra Appold had a good freshman year, and--with the graduation of Elizabeth Campbell--will now be asked to carry much of the offensive load. Coach Geoff Carlston (9th season, 16th overall) will have plenty of decisions to make during August, including settling on an OH2. Look for 6-2 freshman Brooke Bailey to be in the mix. Sophomore setter Taylor Hughes battled injury last season, but proved herself in the tough Big Ten. At 6-1, she's a pretty good blocker, too.

Prediction

Ohio State just missed the national quarterfinals last season. The Buckeyes won't win the Big Ten, but a chance to play in front of a final four home crowd this December might just offer that extra sliver of incentive during the tournament.

Previously:
20. Louisville
19. UNC
18. BYU
17. Illinois
16. Purdue
15. Texas A&M
14. Oregon

Additional research and reporting contributed by Leslie Hamann.