Kent State University
10-17,5-10MAC
Bowling Green
18-7,14-1MAC
Kent State Drops Finale Road Volleyball Contest
11/6/2021 8:18:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – For the second night in a row, Kent State played with Mid-American Conference co-leader Bowling Green for most of each set before failing to win enough critical points, losing 3-0 (23-25, 21-25, 18-25) on Saturday inside of the Stroh Center.
The Golden Flashes (10-17, 5-10 MAC) led 3-1 early on, but the Falcons hit the 15-point mark first and led 15-13 at the opening media break. Kent State fought back and took a 22-21 lead after an ace by senior Erin Gardner. The squads traded service errors before Bowling Green won the final three points for a 25-23 victory.
Kills by juniors Savannah Matthews and Morgan Copley put the Flashes ahead 21-19 in the second, and it looked like the visitors were in good position to win their first set of the weekend. The Falcons answered with a 6-0 run, however, to take the set.
After falling behind 3-0 in the third set, Kent State won the next four points to take the lead. Bowling Green countered with a 4-0 run to lead by three, but the Flashes were able to tie it at 11-11 and 12-12. The Falcons won seven of the next nine points to lead by five. Kent State was able to get within 20-18 before BG won the next five points to close the match.
Savannah Matthews led the offense with 11 kills. Junior Taylor Heberle added eight kills. Freshman Kiersten Kraus recorded 29 assists.
Defensively, Erin Gardner had a team-high 21 digs and senior Lana Strejcek had a season-high six blocks.
Kent State will return to the M.A.C. Center for the final three matches of the season, beginning with a two-match series against Miami on Friday, Nov. 12 and Saturday, Nov. 13.
Be sure to follow Kent State Volleyball on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates about the squad.
