Kent State University
5-18, 3-9MAC
Akron
6-18, 2-10MAC
Volleyball Earns Sweep in Wagon Wheel Challenge Match
10/28/2017 10:31:00โฏPM | Women's Volleyball
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KENT, Ohio โ The Kent State volleyball team made quick work of rival Akron with a 3-0 (25-16, 27-25, 25-22) victory on Saturday evening at the M.A.C. Center. The win gives the Golden Flashes a split of the season series with the Zips, meaning each team receives 1/2 point for its school in the 2017-18 Crystal Clinic Wagon Wheel Challenge standings.
Kent State (5-18, 3-9 MAC) found a way to win the close sets it failed to come out on top of in a loss to Buffalo on Friday, which featured two-point setbacks in all three sets. Tough serving and big plays by senior Amber Gerdeman and junior Lexi Mantas were critical to turning the tables on the Zips.
"I was really pleased with the way with played this weekend overall," said head coach Don Gromala. "I thought we played pretty composed. We've grown a lot as a team since the first time we played them, and I think that showed tonight. Our pass and serve has been really solid as of late, and we knew that was a key coming into this weekend since we struggled with it the first time we played both teams. Our block and serve have improved, and it's important for that to continue moving forward."
Senior Kelsey Bittinger showed her versatility with 13 kills, 16 digs and four blocks. Bittinger recorded a .370 hitting percentage, while senior Heather Younkin hit .385 with seven kills. Junior Lexi Mantas contributed 10 kills and has posted double-figures in six of the last seven matches.
"Getting offensive production from different people was big tonight," Gromala said. "Amber started off really strong. They changed up some of their matchups to start the third set, so it was Heather's turn, and she stepped up and made some big swings."
Freshman Natalie Tagala handed out 37 assists and helped the Flashes to a 41-34 lead in kills.
The defense was led by senior Challen Geraghty, led all players with 18 digs. Sophomore Claire Tulisiak added 10 digs. Sophomore Myla King registered four blocks for the second straight night to share the team-high with Bittinger.
Kent State matched its season-best with six aces. Tulisiak led the way with three, tying her career-high. Junior Sam Jones had two aces.
Kent State starts its final road trip of the season next weekend when it visits Miami on Friday (Nov. 3) and Bowling Green on Saturday (Nov. 4).
