Kent State University
5-3
Georgetown University
2-5
Offensive Balance Keys Golden Flashes Victory Over Hoyas
9/10/2015 8:21:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
MADISON, Wis. – Kent State earned its third straight victory by defeating Georgetown, 3-1 (25-19, 25-21, 19-25, 25-15), in the opening match of the Badger Classic Thursday evening.
"I think we played an OK match," said head coach Don Gromala. "We won some games easier, but had a bit of a let down in the third set. It was good that we got a chance to get our middles going, which we needed, and they did a good job of sticking to our game plan and making good decisions. We hope to carry that into tomorrow night."
Kent State (5-3) was able to win despite trailing on the stat sheet in just about every area except hitting percentage. The Golden Flashes hit .241 while keeping the Hoyas to just a .152 attack percentage, thanks in part to 12 blocks. Senior middle blocker Bridget Wilhelm matched her career-high with eight blocks and senior opposite Kelly Hutchison fought through a tough hitting night to contribute a season-high seven blocks. Sophomore libero Challen Geraghty led the back row with 16 digs and senior defensive specialist Sarah Mills tallied 11 digs.
Hutchison, the reigning Mid-American Conference East Division Offensive Player of the Week, led the Flashes with 10 kills, but also had 10 attack errors. Wilhelm hit an efficient .667 with nine kills and just one error on 12 swings. Freshman outside hitter Lexi Mantas provided a career-high nine kills and sophomore Kelsey Bittinger delivered eight kills.
Kent State will conclude the Badger Classic Friday night against No. 11 Wisconsin at 8 p.m. The match will air on BTN2Go.
