Kent State University
3-1
Youngstown State
3-1
Volleyball Takes Down Unbeaten YSU Behind Gritty Defensive Performance
8/28/2018 10:59:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
KENT, Ohio – Kent State put on a defensive clinic in front of a record number of students Tuesday night at the M.A.C. Center to beat Youngstown State, 3-1 (22-25, 25-16, 25-20, 25-23).
The Golden Flashes (3-1) limited the Penguins (3-1) to a .036 hitting percentage by totaling 90 digs and 15 blocks, which is tied for the second-most in a match during Don Gromala's seven seasons as head coach. Freshman Danie Tyson led the block party with eight stuffs and junior Myla King added seven blocks. Freshman Erin Gardner helped prevent YSU from scoring when they were able to get back the Flashes' blockers and posted her first 30-dig performance.
"That was a gritty and gutsy performance from this team tonight," Gromala said. "We showed a lot of heart coming back after losing the first set and then trailing by four-five points in each of the final two sets. Our defense was pretty on point, making a lot of digs and getting a lot of blocks."
Tyson also led Kent State's attack with 13 kills on just 23 errorless swings for a .565 hitting percentage.
"Right now, we have some players that are inexperienced playing the back row at this level, but our serve-receive got better throughout the match," added Gromala. As our passing and first contact improved, we were able to get our middles going. Danie really found a good rhythm, which kid of opened up some things for our other hitters."
Freshman Kathryn Ellison notched her second double-double of the season with 11 kills and 17 digs to go with four blocks and an ace. Senior Sam Jones also had a double-double with 17 assists and 10 digs. Junior Ashley Makruski contributed a career-high eight digs. Sophomore Natalie Tagala recorded a team-high 20 assists.
The home crowd of 964, which included a Kent State volleyball record 632 students, provided a huge boost that propelled the Flashes to victory.
"I think the home court advantage was really the difference tonight," Gromala said. "We really had a great crowd behind us tonight, and we hope to have a similar environment for our home tournament this weekend."
Kent State returns concludes a four-match homestand with the 2018 Golden Flashes Classic. The Flashes play Purdue Fort Wayne at 7 p.m. Friday and then are back in action Saturday against Morgan State at 12 p.m. and Niagara at 7 p.m.
Be sure to follow Kent State Volleyball on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates about the squad.
