Kent State University
Ohio
Volleyball Visits Ohio Thursday, Returns to M.A.C. Center Saturday to Host EMU
11/6/2019 6:36:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
Kent State will conclude a five-match road swing Thursday at Ohio and then return to the M.A.C. Center on Saturday to host Eastern Michigan as the Mid-American Conference season enters its penultimate weekend.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Thursday, Nov. 7
7:00 p.m. Kent State at Ohio
Saturday, Nov. 9
5:00 p.m. Kent State vs. Eastern Michigan
LAST TIME OUT
Kent State went 1-1 for the second weekend in a row. The Golden Flashes started with an impressive 3-1 win at Bowling Green on Friday. The victory was the team's first ever inside of the Stroh Center and snapped an eight-match losing streak to the Falcons. Momentum did not carry over to the following day, as Miami defended its home court with a 3-0 win.
Middle blockers Danie Tyson (2.43 kps) and Myla King (2.14 kps) had outstanding weekends. The duo combined for 32 kills, 13 blocks and a .366 hitting percentage. Senior Ashley Makruski led the offense with 22 kills, while freshman Savannah Matthews totaled 19 kills and 19 digs.
Redshirt sophomore Alex Haffner recorded 86 assists (12.29 per set) and 16 digs (2.29 per set).
Sophomore Erin Gardner led the defense with 44 digs (6.29 per set). Junior Kaeleigh Stang added 28 digs (4.00 per set), including a season-high 20 against BG.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
Ohio (13-12, 5-7 MAC)
The Bobcats have lost four in a row and took just a single set in setbacks to Miami and Bowling Green this past weekend. Ohio does own a 5-2 home record this season though.
The All-MAC setter Vera Giacomazzi runs the offense and ranks second nationally in total assists (1,102) and 11th in assists per set (11.36). Giacomazzi adds 2.36 digs per set and 0.56 blocks per set despite being listed as 5'-8" on the official roster.
Middle blockers Tia Jimerson and Dahlias Bouyer are major contributors for the Bobcats. Jimerson leads the MAC in blocking (1.30 per set) and is second in points per set (4.10) and hitting percentage (.368). Bouyer ranks third in hitting percentage (.361) and sixth in blocking (1.04 per set).
Opposite Maggie Nedoma has made an immediate impact after transferring from Southern Illinois. Nedoma averages 3.85 points and 3.26 kills per set. Preseason All-MAC East selection Lizzie Stephens (2.45 kps, 2.58 dps) has been sidelined the past eight matches.
Emma Tupa (4.44 dps) has taken over the libero position over the past three matches. She is averaging 6.55 digs per set during that time and was named MAC East Division co-Defensive Player of the Week on Monday.
Eastern Michigan (9-15, 4-8 MAC)
The Eagles have lost seven consecutive true road since beating Utah State, 3-2, in the season opener. Eastern Michigan is second in the conference in blocks per set (2.08) and third in digs per set (16.96).
Outside hitter Franki Strefling and middle blocker/right side Cassie Haut are one of the top attacking duos in the conference, ranking fourth and fifth in kills, respective. Strefling averages 3.29 kills per set and Haut averages 3.27 kills per set. Haut adds 0.97 blocks per set and is third in the MAC in points per set (4.01).
Setter Riley Taylor averages 8.68 assists per set.
Libero Camille Schomer is the team leader with 4.48 digs per set.
ALL-TIME VS. OPPONENTS
Kent State is 26-57 all-time against Ohio. The Flashes are 18-19 at home in the series. Head coach Don Gromala is 3-14 against the Bobcats.
Kent State owns a 19-37-1 record all-time against Eastern Michigan and has lost each of the past three matchups, including two setbacks a season ago. Head coach Don Gromala is 3-6 vs. the Eagles.
UP NEXT
Kent State closes the regular season next weekend with home matches against rival Akron and Buffalo.
FOLLOW THE FLASHES
Be sure to follow Kent State Volleyball on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates about the squad.
