Kent State University
Purdue Fort Wayne
Western New York Invitational Next for Kent State Volleyball
9/7/2023 3:53:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
The Kent State volleyball team returns to action this weekend for three matches as part of the Western New York Invitational. The Golden Flashes' first two contests will be played Friday at Canisius, starting against Purdue Fort Wayne at 12 p.m. and then Canisius at 6 p.m. The team will then make the 21-mile trip to Niagara on Saturday for a 1 p.m. match.
All matches of the tournament will be streamed on ESPN+.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Friday, September 8
12 p.m. Kent State vs. Purdue Fort Wayne
6 p.m. Kent State at Canisius
Saturday, September 9
1 p.m. Kent State at Niagara
PREVIEWING THE FLASHES
Kent State (1-5) posted its first win of the season, 3-2, last Friday to open play at the FRYfest Invitational last weekend. The Golden Flashes then fell in five sets to host Iowa and concluded the tournament with a 3-0 setback to Middle Tennessee. Senior Bryn Roberts averaged 4.15 digs per set to earn a spot on the all-tournament team. Freshman Logan Henderson had a breakout weekend with 29 kills and a .365 hitting percentage.
Outside hitter Karina Salinas leads the team with 42 kills, including a career-best 18 against Iowa. Outside hitter Mackenzie McGuire is close behind with 40 kills and was named to the Bulldog Brawl All-Tournament Team for her performance during the opening weekend. Defensive specialist/libero Bryn Roberts ranks third in the MAC in digs per set (4.63) and fourth in aces per set (0.46). Middle blocker Kiana Mack has made an impact at the net with an average of 1.00 block per set.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
Purdue Fort Wayne
The Mastodons (3-3) posted wins over Stony Brook, Saint Francis (Pa.) and Manhattan to bounce back from a winless opening weekend. Outside hitter Panna Ratkai was named one of the Horizon League's Players of the Week on Tuesday and is the conference leader in points per set (4.39) and kills per set (3.91). The defense is led by libero LonDynn Betts, who averages 4.04 digs per set.
Canisius
The Golden Griffins (2-4) went 0-3 a the RMU Invitational after opening the season by going 2-1. Outside hitter Ella Loussia, a three-time All-MAAC selection, leads the way with 3.40 kills per set and recorded her 1,000th career kill on Aug. 26. Setter Avery Dole ranks second in the MAAC at 9.24 assists per set.
Niagara
The Purple Eagles (0-6) have won just two sets over the first two weekends of the season. Niagara ranks in the bottom 10 in the country in hitting percentage (.077) and assists per set (7.80). Outside hitter Kinga Wronska leads the offense with 2.26 kills per set. Libero Bella Peroni paces the defense with 3.00 digs per set.
ALL-TIME VS. OPPONENTS
Kent State is 3-4 all-time against Purdue Fort Wayne with a 3-2 victory on the Mastodons' home court in the most recent matchup in 2021. The Golden Flashes are unbeaten against this weekend's other two opponents with a 3-0 record against Canisius and a 2-0 record against Niagara.
FOLLOW THE FLASHES
Be sure to follow Kent State Volleyball on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates about the squad.
