Kent State University
Buffalo
Kent State Hosts Buffalo to Begin MAC Volleyball Slate
9/21/2023 3:49:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
The Kent State volleyball team is back in action at the M.A.C. Center this weekend as Mid-American Conference play begins against Buffalo.
The Golden Flashes (4-7) and Bulls are scheduled to play at 6 p.m. on Friday and 4 p.m. on Saturday for the FlaSHES Will match. Both contests will be streamed on ESPN+.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Friday, September 22
6 p.m. Kent State vs. Buffalo
Saturday, September 23
4 p.m. Kent State vs. Buffalo
PREVIEWING THE FLASHES
Kent State seeks its first home victory of the season after falling to Youngstown State, 3-1, last Friday. The Golden Flashes were unable to go 2-0 against Horizon League opponents after coming from beyond to win at Cleveland State, 3-2, on Thursday. Sophomore Mackenzie McGuire was recognized as the MAC Female Scholar-Athlete of the Week on Wednesday for her stellar performances, as she averaged 5.11 kills per set over the two matches. McGuire had a career night against the Penguins with a career-high 28 kills, which is the fourth most in a four-set match by any player in the NCAA this season.
McGuire now leads the conference at 4.00 kills per set on the season and sits second in points per set (4.33). Middle blocker Kiana Mack (1.74 kps) has a team-high 22 aces and has been an offensive force over her last five matches, averaging 2.14 kills per set with a .404 hitting percentage. Sophomore Kendall White orchestrates the offense and averages 7.98 assists per set.
Kent State leads the MAC at 15.19 digs per set. Senior Bryn Roberts has be in the libero jersey most of the season and is fifth in the conference in digs per set (4.41). White has also been impactful on defense and adds 2.78 digs per set. Graduate student Burgundy Walters has been the Flashes' top blocker and average 1.00 blocks per set.
SCOUTING BUFFALO
The Bulls (10-2) won their first seven contests and tied for the best record during non-conference action. Buffalo has posted six 3-0 sweeps, including a victory over Missouri at Xavier on Sept. 8. The Bulls lead the MAC in both hitting percentage (.271) and opponent hitting percentage (.165).
Outside hitter Katrin Trebichavska paces the attack with 3.08 kills per set and is third nationally with 0.73 service aces per set. Right side Emma Gielas adds 2.28 kills per set from the other pin. Middle blockers Courtney Okwara and Abby Leigh own the two top hitting percentages in the MAC. Okwara (1.98 kps) leads the way by hitting .514, and Leigh (2.16 kps) has a .414 hitting percentage. Setter Mandy Leigh ranks third in the conference with 9.21 assists per set.
SERIES HISTORY
Kent State owns a dominant 35-17 all-time mark against the Buffalo but has dropped three of the last four matchups, including a pair of 3-0 setbacks on the road last season.
UP NEXT
Kent State is scheduled to play the next three matches on the road, beginning with a trip to Ohio on Tuesday, Sept. 26. The Golden Flashes will then play two matches at rival Akron on Thursday, Sept. 28 and Friday, Sept. 29.
FOLLOW THE FLASHES
Be sure to follow Kent State Volleyball on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates about the squad.
