Kent State University
Akron
Wagon Wheel Challenge Highlights Volleyball’s MAC Opening Weekend
9/21/2017 5:12:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
KENT, Ohio — A rigorous non-conference schedule has aided the Kent State volleyball team in being prepared for the grind of the Mid-American Conference season, which begins this weekend with a pair of matches on the road against East Division foes.
The first matchup in this year's Crystal Clinic Wagon Wheel Challenge between rivals Kent State (2-9) and Akron (4-8) inside James A. Rhodes Arena on Friday will also mark the first conference contest for both schools and be streamed on ESPN3. The Golden Flashes then head to Western New York to battle an upstart Buffalo squad (7-4) on Saturday.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Friday, Sept. 22
7 p.m. Kent State at Akron – Live Stats • Video
Saturday, Sept. 23
6 p.m. Kent State at Buffalo – Live Stats • Video
LAST TIME OUT
After falling to host Oakland and undefeated Towson in its first two matches at the Golden Grizzlies Invitational, las weekend, Kent State went past three sets for the first time all season in defeating Fort Wayne, 3-2. The Golden Flashes would have preferred their three-set streak to continue after taking a 2-0 lead in the match, but found a way to pull out a thrilling fifth set by a 15-13 score to snap a seven-match skid.
The Flashes' floor defense posted an impressive average of 17.82 digs per set over the three matches. Senior libero Challen Geraghty was named to the All-Tournament Team after leading the way with 57 digs (5.18/set). Geraghty's 28 digs vs. Towson are tied for the fifth-most in a three-setter this season. Her 30 digs in a 3-0 over Omaha (Aug. 26) are tied for second-most and just one behind LaSalle's Jensen Sharrits' national-best 31 digs vs. Lafayette (Aug. 29).
Senior outside hitter Kelsey Bittinger had 41 digs (3.73/set), including a season-best 19 vs. Towson. Freshman setter Natalie Tagala (33 digs), sophomore defensive specialist Claire Tulisiak (27 digs) and junior outside hitter Lexi Mantas (22 digs) all made solid contributions and set new career-high marks at the tournament.
Sopohomore middle blockers Annie Ennesser (10 total blocks) and Myla King (7 total blocks) led an improved blocking unit.
Bittinger continued to lead the offense with 34 kills (3.09/set) and posted a season-best 20 kills vs. Fort Wayne. King was second on the team with 26 kills (2.36/set) and had a career-high 13 kills vs. Fort Wayne.
Tagala led the way with 95 assists (8.64/set) and nearly collected her first career triple-double vs. Fort Wayne with 54 assists, 13 digs and 8 kills.
UP NEXT
Kent State hosts Bowling Green (Sept. 29) and Miami (Sept. 30) for the first home matches of the conference season as part of Varsity "K" Hall of Fame Weekend.
FOLLOW THE FLASHES
Be sure to follow Kent State Volleyball on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates about the squad.
