Kent State University
2-1
College of Charleston
1-2
Volleyball Takes Two to Conclude Opening Weekend at CofC Invite
8/30/2014 11:19:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Kent State volleyball team improved to 2-1 following a pair of victories Saturday at the CofC Invitational. The Golden Flashes opened with a three-set sweep of Davidson (26-24, 25-22, 25-23) and came from behind to defeat host College of Charleston in the five-set finale (15-25, 25-18, 23-25, 25-20, 15-8).
Junior middle blocker Bridget Wilhelm and freshman defensive specialist/libero Challen Geraghty earned all-tournament team honors for the Flashes. Wilhelm had 21 kills (1.75 per set), 12 blocks (1.00 per set) and a .255 attack percentage, while Geraghty tallied a team-best 50 digs (4.17 per set) for the weekend.
A balanced offensive attack keyed the Flashes to a sweep of Davidson. Senior Tinuke Aderemi-Ibitola (13), freshman Kelsey Bittinger (12) and Wilhelm (10) posted double-figure kills, while senior Liz Reikow added nine kills. Freshman setter Brittney Jakscht totaled 40 assists in the victory.
Kent State held the Wildcats to a .136 attack percentage in the match. Geraghty led the way with 22 digs and Bittinger added 14. Seven players combined for 10 blocks, led by five from Reikow.
Junior Kelly Hutchison led the Flashes with 11 kills in the win over College of Charleston. Bittinger also had 11 kills and added 12 digs for her third double-double in as many matches over the weekend. Jakscht recorded 33 assists.
It was the stellar play of its defense that allowed Kent State to come out on top over its host in the finale. The Flashes limited the Cougars to a .117 attack percentage while out-digging them 63-56 and posting 10 blocks. Geraghty led the defense with 14 digs, while Reikow had six blocks and Jakscht added five.
Kent State opens its home schedule next weekend when it hosts the Golden Flashes Classic on Friday and Saturday.
