Kent State University
Bowling Green
Kent State to Host BG in MAC East Volleyball Clash
9/22/2022 4:44:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
The Kent State volleyball team seeks to make a statement during the opening weekend of Mid-American Conference play as it hosts East Division preseason favorite Bowling Green for a pair of matches at the M.A.C. Center.
The Golden Flashes (9-2) have won six straight and posted their best non-conference record since 2008. The #MACtion begins on Friday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. The teams will meet again on Saturday, Sept. 24 with first serve scheduled for 4 p.m. Both matches will be streamed on ESPN3.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Friday, September 23
6 p.m. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Kent State vs. Bowling Green
Saturday, September 24
4 p.m. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Kent State at Bowling Green
PREVIEWING THE FLASHES
In-game adjustments have been critical during Kent State's six-match winning streak. The Golden Flashes are just 2-4 in the opening sets but won 16 of 19 in sets two through five.
On the season, Kent State ranks second in the MAC in hitting percentage (.243) and aces per set (1.71) and third in assists per set (12.60).
The Flashes' depth has been on display during the opening month of the season, with five players totaling six MAC East Division Player of the Week awards. Graduate student Alex Haffner has won MAC East Division Setter of the Week twice with graduate student Erin Gardner (defensive), senior Gracey Jarecke (defensive), senior Savannah Matthews (offensive) and freshman Mackenzie McGuire (offensive) each earning a selection.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
The Falcons (5-6) went through the gauntlet to start the season and played the 12th-toughest non-conference schedule in the country. Bowling Green went 0-3 against ranked opponents and 2-1 against teams receiving votes with a true road win at Tennessee and a neutral site victory over Mississippi State.
Four players have totaled more than 75 kills on the season as part of a balanced pin-heavy attack. Outside hitter Kat Mandly leads the way at 3.15 kills per set. Outside hitter Katelyn Meyer, the only four-time All-MAC First Team performer in Falcons history, is averaging 2.90 kills per set. Freshman Lauryn Hovey (2.52 kps) had a team-high 15 kills to lead the way against Mississippi State. Reigning MAC Player of the Year Petra Indrova adds 2.47 kills and 2.86 digs per set. Defensively, middle blocker Jessica Andrews ranks third in the conference in blocking (1.10 bps) and libero Yelianiz Torres is fourth in digs (4.68 dps).
UP NEXT
Kent State will hit the road the next two weekends, beginning with a pair of matches at Miami on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.
FOLLOW THE FLASHES
Be sure to follow Kent State Volleyball on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates about the squad.
