Kent State University
10-13, 3-6MAC
Northern Illinois
7-17, 5-4MAC
Volleyball Opens Homestand with Five-Set Victory
10/19/2018 10:46:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
KENT, Ohio – The Kent State volleyball team used a strong start to the fifth set to capture a 3-2 (2514, 25-22, 18-25, 21-25, 15-9) victory over Northern Illinois in Friday night's return to the M.A.C. Center.
The Golden Flashes (10-13, 3-6 MAC) hit better than .400 in each of the first two sets but failed to hit better than .200 in either of the next two sets, as the visiting Huskies tied the match. Kent State scored the first three points of the fifth set and never trailed the rest of the way.
"That was a rollercoaster," head coach Don Gromala said following his team's fifth five-setter of the season. "We did some nice things coming out with our execution, but NIU made some matchup changes with their lineup that stressed us out. When it mattered most in that fifth, we executed well, made some big plays defensively and people put balls away. Hopefully we can carry this over and get some more big wins."
Kent State totaled a season-high 70 kills while hitting at a .288 clip, its best against a conference opponent. Four Flashes were in double-figures, as seniors Amy Kober and Lexi Mantas led the way with 17 kills each. Freshmen Danie Tyson and Melissa Kolurbasi each had a career-high 14 kills. Tyson had a team-best .462 hitting percentage, while Kolurbasi recorded a .387 hitting percentage.
"We were pretty consistent offensively overall, but Melissa and Danie kind of carried us with their efficiency," Gromala added.
Redshirt freshman Alex Haffner had a career-high 61 assists, which is the fourth-most during Gromala's tenure as head coach. Haffner added 12 digs for her 10th double-double.
Defensively, the Flashes had five players tally double-figure digs, including three 20-dig performances. Senior Sam Jones led the way with a career-high 25 digs. Freshman Erin Gardner had 22 digs and senior Lexi Mantas added a season-high 20 digs. Sophomore Kaeleigh Stang contributed 11 digs.
Kent State continues its four-match homestand by Western Michigan on Saturday at 7 p.m. Former Flashes, including Varsity "K" Hall of Fame inductee Danielle Holt, will be recognized during the match.
Be sure to follow Kent State Volleyball on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates about the squad.
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