On Senior Day, the Kent State women’s basketball team bounced back from a rough Bowling Green loss to defeat Toledo 69-62 Saturday. 

Six seniors were honored before the game: Jenna Batsch, Bridget Dunn, Bianca Juzzo, Lexy Linton, Elena Maier and Kaley Perkins. Coach Todd Starkey had nothing but praise for his seniors. 

“I’m really proud of this senior class,” he said. “We’ve been through a lot together.” 

This win featured multiple achievements for the team. This was the Flashes’ first win against Toledo since February 2021, and it marks the first time since 2002 the team has had three straight 20 win seasons. 

“It’s tough to win in this league,” Starkey said. “The things this group has accomplished is incredible.” 

Another storyline of the game was Batsch’s performance. In her final game at the M.A.C. Center, she scored 27 points on 10-22 shooting and added six steals and five rebounds.  

“Any senior wants to win on their senior night, so any win on senior night is great,” Batsch said. “We’re playing for each other and our seniors.” 

The Flashes got off to a hot start to begin the game by jumping out to a 26-17 first quarter lead. Both teams shot over 50% from the field in the quarter, but the Flashes were better by shooting 10-16 (63%). 

“The motivation for this game was definitely there,” Batsch said. “Senior night versus a team we have never beat.” 

The Flashes continued to sizzle going into the second quarter. Toledo was outscored 19-9 and held scoreless in the final five minutes. 

To end the quarter, the Flashes went on a 10-0 run. Batsch had eight of those points. 

Toledo was held to poor shooting splits of 4-12 (33%) from the field and 1-6 (17%) from 3-point distance in the quarter. 

Entering halftime, the Flashes had a 19-point lead, but that would be put to the test in the second half. 

“We needed the whole cushion that we got in the first half,” Starkey said. “We knew Toledo was going to come swinging.” 

And come out swinging the Rockets did, outscoring the Flashes 12-0 in the first five minutes. By the end of the quarter, the Flashes’ 19-point lead had evaporated to eight. 

The Flashes had one of their worst offensive quarters of the season, scoring six points, shooting 1-12 (8%) and recording four turnovers. 

“They’re a tough team, they finished third in the league for a reason,” Starkey said. “They know how to play and win in big games.” 

Despite the rough stretch for the Flashes, the players refused to give in and lose hope. The team began the fourth quarter on a 10-2 run. 

“I’m just really proud of how we kept our composure through that third quarter run they had,” Batsch said. 

With six minutes left, the Flashes held a 16-point lead, and seemed to be in a position to win comfortably. But the Rockets made yet another run, cutting the Flashes lead to four with a little under three minutes left. 

Once again, the Flashes held their ground and didn’t quit. After a series of defensive stops, junior guard Dionna Gray iced the game with several clutch free throws. 

“We made the plays down the stretch that we needed to,” Starkey said. “I thought our staff did a great job of helping me manage the clock and our playcalling.” 

Overall, the Flashes shot 23-53 (43%) from the field and 8-20 (40%) from 3-point range. On the other hand, Toledo shot 25-50 (50%) and 4-18 (22%). Toledo won the battle in the paint, outscoring the Flashes down low (34-22) and winning the rebounding battle (33-24), but the Flashes managed to disrupt their offense significantly, holding the Rockets to nine assists and 19 turnovers. 

“That was a battle,” Starkey said.  

Outside of Batsch, multiple Flashes had notable performances in the win. Dunn was a huge factor with 12 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. 

Sophomore guard Mya Babbitt also performed well with 12 points on 5-11 shooting. 

Toledo’s best performance came from graduate student guard/forward Nan Garcia who recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Graduate guard Khera Goss followed her with 13 points on 5-8 shooting. 

The Flashes end the regular season with a record of 20-11 and conference record of 12-6. The team finished in fourth place in the Mid-American Conference Standings. 

Toledo finished 22-7 with a conference record of 13-5. The Rockets stand as the third seed in the standings. 

 Looking ahead: MAC Tournament 

The Flashes are scheduled to play the Miami RedHawks in the opening round of the MAC Tournament Wednesday. Tipoff is at 1:30 p.m.

Miami finished the season with a 19-10 record and conference record of 11-7. 

The Flashes split the regular season series against Miami, winning the opening matchup on the road 77-63 but losing the rematch at home 64-62. 

The RedHawks are led by the trio of sophomore guard Enjulina Gonzalez, sophomore forward Amber Tretter and senior guard Maya Chandler. All three average 10+ points with shooting averages around 40%. 

For Batsch, it’ll be the last MAC Tournament she will be a part of, and she’s ready to make the most of it. 

“We have momentum now because of that big win, so I’m excited,” she said. “I’m ready to go.” 

This marks the eighth MAC Tournament appearance for the Flashes under Starkey, and he knows what it’ll take for the Flashes to defend their MAC title from last season. He said the Flashes will have to shoot, defend and rebound well to take home the trophy. 

“We’re just excited to be up there and give it our best shot,” Starkey said. “Go Flashes.” 

John Engoglia is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].