Kent State University
12-15, 5-8MAC
Buffalo
15-10, 7-6MAC
Offense Struggles in Loss at Buffalo
11/2/2018 8:19:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
BUFFALO, N.Y. – Kent State started its final road trip of the season with a 3-0 (17-25, 14-25, 18-25) loss to Buffalo on Friday evening.
The Golden Flashes (12-15, 5-8 MAC) committed 23 attack errors to only 18 kills and finished with a -.051 hitting percentage on the night. Freshman Danie Tyson led the way with seven kills and sophomore Natalie Tagala had a team-high nine assists.
Defensively, Kent State did a terrific job against Bulls outside hitter Andrea Mitrovic. The Mid-American Conference kills leader was held to more than a kill per set under her average during league play and committed eight attack errors. Freshman Erin Gardner led the defense with 16 digs. Junior Myla King and freshman Melissa Kolurbasi were both active at the net and finished with three blocks each.
The match had a competitive start with five ties and two lead changes in the opening 14 points. Buffalo held a slim 15-13 lead at the media timeout but broke it open by scoring five of the first six points when action resumed. The Bulls closed the set with an 11-4 run to take it, 25-17.
Buffalo continued its momentum into the second set and started with an 8-2 lead. Following back-to-back Kent State points to get within four, the Bulls scored four straight and kept their lead at seven or more points the rest of the set, winning 25-14.
The Flashes appeared to regroup during the intermission and held a brief 3-2 lead in the early points of the third set. Myla King and Lexi Mantas teamed for a block to get within 8-7, but Buffalo rallied off five straight to take control of the set. Kent State refused to quit, however, and scored three straight to get within 15-13 and force UB to call timeout. The Bulls scored five out of six after the timeout and later scored four straight to close the set, 25-18.
Kent State is back in action Saturday at rival Akron. First serve of the Crystal Clinic Wagon Wheel Challenge matchup is scheduled for 5 p.m.
Be sure to follow Kent State Volleyball on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates about the squad.
