Kent State University
11-11, 4-6MAC
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Western Michigan
12-10, 3-7MAC
Career Nights from Makruski and Matthews Lead Flashes Past Broncos in Five-Setter
10/26/2019 8:37:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Freshman Savannah Matthews and senior Ashley Makruski recorded career-highs in kills while the defense tightened up in the final two sets to allow Kent State to take down host Western Michigan, 3-2 (23-25, 26-24, 23-25, 25-20, 15-9) in a key Mid-American Conference matchup on Saturday.
Matthews' 21 kills, which included four in the decisive fifth set, were the most by a Golden Flash since the 2016 season. Makruski totaled 19 kills for her fifth straight match in double-figures. After allowing the Broncos to hit at a .303 clip over the night's first three sets, Kent State (11-11, 4-6 MAC) limited WMU to just 14 kills and a .054 hitting percentage in sets four and five.
"I'm really proud of how our girls fought back, especially after a tough match last night," said head coach Don Gromala. "This was one of the most exciting matches I've been a part of with how back-and-forth those first couple of sets were. Our defense was off to a slow start but definitely picked up throughout the match. Our pins had a great weekend and it was great to have Savannah and Ashley come through with big performances."
Redshirt sophomore Alex Haffner helped the Flashes hit .291 as a team while totaling 58 assists and seven digs. Freshman Morgan Copley posted 14 kills and a .364 hitting percentage, while sophomore Danie Tyson hit .450 with 10 kills.
After closing the fourth set by taking five of the final six points, Kent State quickly fell behind 3-0 in the fifth. Ezri Edwards got the Flashes on the board with a kill. Savannah Matthews and Morgan Copley did the same on the next two points, and Matthews and Danie Tyson teamed for a stuff and 4-3 lead. Holding to a 9-8 lead, Copley came through with a kill to maintain the lead. Consecutive WMU attack errors followed, and Matthews capped the 4-0 run with a kill. Although Matthews registered an attack error on the next point, Edwards found open space behind the defense off an overpass to setup match point. Matthews redeemed herself on the next play, ripping a shot that the libero was unable to keep in front of her and clinching the victory for her team.
Sophomore Erin Gardner led the defense with 25 digs and also had five service aces. Matthews and Kaleigh Stang added 16 and 14 digs, respectively. Freshman Gracey Jarecke posted a career-high 11 digs. Tyson and junior Ezri Edwards shared the team lead with three blocks each.
Kent State will go back on the road next weekend to complete season series with Bowling Green and Miami.
Be sure to follow Kent State Volleyball on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates about the squad.
