Kent State University
Buffalo
Volleyball Visits Buffalo for Second Week of Spring Season
2/3/2021 6:08:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
Kent State looks to build off an impressive start to the spring 2021 volleyball season this weekend with two matches at Buffalo on January 28-29. The series will begin with a 6 p.m. match on Thursday and conclude with a rematch at 2 p.m. on Friday.
The Golden Flashes (2-0) went on the road and lost just a single set during last week's two-match series against the Mid-American Conference West Division favorite Central Michigan. Kent State leads the MAC in kills per set (16.14), assists per set (15.57) and digs per set (19.14) while ranking second in hitting percentage (.279).
A pair of Flashes received MAC East Division weekly honors for their performances against the Chippewas. Redshirt junior Alex Haffner, the national assists per set leader (14.23 apg), was named Setter of the Week. Junior Erin Gardner averaged 5.71 digs per set and picked up her fourth career Defensive Player of the Week honor and ranks 10th nationally in digs per set.
SCOUTING BUFFALO
The youthful Bulls (0-4) are looking for their first victory of the season after series losses to Miami and Ball State. Buffalo's 15-member roster includes 11 freshmen and sophomores, and only four players appeared in at least 40 sets a year ago. The Bulls are last in the MAC in kills per set (10.25), hitting percentage (.144), assists per set (9.42) and digs per set (10.75).
Right side hitter Emma Gielas is averaging a team-best 3.00 kills per set and has hit at a .303 clip over the first two weekends. Outside hitter Abby Leigh adds 2.42 kills per set. Kyndal Bacon (4.67 apg) and Emma Puzausky (4.33 apg) have shared setting duties. Defensive specialist/libero Jenna Sonnenberg anchors the back row at 3.08 digs per set.
SERIES HISTORY
The Golden Flashes own a dominant 32-14 all-time mark against the Bulls but has dropped four of the last five matchups. Head coach Don Gromala is 9-7 vs. the Bulls.
UP NEXT
Kent State will host rival Akron for the spring 2021 home opener inside of the Basketball and Volleyball Development Center.
FOLLOW THE FLASHES
Be sure to follow Kent State Volleyball on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates about the squad.
