Kent State University
6-7,1-0MAC
Ball State
10-3,0-1MAC
Flashes Beat Cardinals in Thrilling Five-Set MAC Volleyball Opener
9/24/2021 9:59:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
KENT, Ohio – Kent State fought a pair of match point opportunities in the third set and battled all the way back for a thrilling 3-2 (19-25, 13-25, 28-26, 25-19, 17-15) victory over Ball State on Friday evening in the first Mid-American Conference contest for both teams.
Junior Savannah Matthews made several big plays throughout the night, finishing with a career-high 27 kills while hitting .412 to go with 18 digs. Seven of those kills came in the decisive fifth set. Senior Melissa Kolurbasi added 17 kills, which included the final three points of the night for the Golden Flashes (6-7, 1-0 MAC).
"Just an incredible match," head coach Don Gromala said. "That's a really good team in Ball State. To come back and win that is huge. How the belief and momentum shifted as the match went on was pretty awesome and impressive to see."
Kent State's lineup was boosted by the season debuts of seniors Erin Gardner and Lana Strejcek. Gardner led all players with 25 digs while once again donning the libero jersey, while Strejcek provided a boost after being inserted to start the third set and finished with six kills while tying for the team lead with four blocks.
"I think it's well-deserving for Erin to have this moment because of the work that she put in," Gromala added. "The sacrifices she put in to get back on the court right now is pretty commendable, so hats off to her, and Lana as well."
Redshirt senior Alex Haffner recorded her sixth double-double of the season with 52 assists and 11 digs.
The Flashes will seek a weekend sweep of the Cardinals when the teams meet again on Saturday. 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.
