Kent State University
9-13,4-6MAC
Buffalo
10-12,3-7MAC
Strong Blocking Performance Not Enough in ‘Dig for the Cure’ Match Setback to UB
10/22/2021 9:44:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
KENT, Ohio – Kent State was unable to complete its comeback effort during Friday night's 'Dig for the Cure' match, falling to visiting Buffalo, 3-2, (22-25, 22-25, 27-25, 25-14, 11-15) for the second five-set loss in the past three days.
Just as they did in the Mid-American Conference opener against Ball State on Sept. 24, the Golden Flashes (9-13, 4-6 MAC) fought through a pair of match point opportunities by their opponent in the third set. This time, however, Kent State was unable to come away with a victory, as the Bulls won four straight points with the final set tied 11-11.
A strong blocking presence at the net, including eight blocks in the fourth set, was key to the Flashes extending the contest to five. Kent State totaled 17 blocks on the night, which is the most since posting 17 against Central Michigan back in 2018. Senior Danie Tyson led the way with a career-high 10 blocks, which is the most by a MAC player this season and most by a Flash since Myla King had 10 against rival Akron in 2016. Redshirt junior Jacqlyn Caspers totaled a season-high six blocks and junior Morgan Copley added five.
Junior Savannah Matthews led all players with 15 kills. Senior Melissa Kolurbasi posted 13 kills, while Caspers and Tyson added 10 each in the middle. Redshirt senior Alex Haffner finished with 51 assists and 15 digs for her ninth double-double of the season.
Senior Erin Gardner tallied a match-high 18 digs. Matthews added 10.
Kent State will seek a weekend split with Buffalo on Saturday when the teams battle once again. First serve from the M.A.C. Center is scheduled for 4 p.m.
Be sure to follow Kent State Volleyball on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates about the squad.
