The Kent State volleyball team’s (13-18, 6-11 Mid-American Conference) roller coaster season came to an end on Thursday at the hands of a gritty Eastern Michigan squad.

The Flashes started off up the first set up 4-2, with the Eagles (18-13, 10-7 MAC) taking the lead right back, going up 7-6. Eastern Michigan led for most of the rest of the set until Kent State stormed back to take the lead 26-25 after being down four points multiple times during the set. The Eagles scored the final three points to take the thrilling opening set, 28-26. That proved to be the deciding set as the Flashes went on to drop the final two sets.

Eastern Michigan led the entire second set. The Eagles were up 14-9 and closed it out, 25-19, to go up 2-0.

The third set began tied at four, then the Eagles scored seven in a row to go up 11-4. The Flashes fought back and went on a run of its own to tie the set at 12. From that point on, Eastern Michigan controlled the rest of the set as it won, 25-20, to win the match in straight sets.

Freshman opposite hitter Melissa Kolurbasi had one of her best offensive games of the season as she led the team with eight kills and nine points. Kolurbasi joined libero Erin Gardner on the MAC All-Freshman team.

“We had some growing pains this year as we were experimenting with different lineups, but I was satisfied with how the team performed,” coach Don Gromola said. “This season was a great learning experience for the underclassman and I look forward to coaching them for the rest of their careers.”  

 Sean Blevins is a sports reporter. Contact him at [email protected].