Kent State (1-8) fell to Oakland (5-5) in straight sets, 3-0 (21-25, 17-25, 10-25), during the Golden Grizzlies Invitational Friday.

Freshman Natalie Tagala led the team with 21 assists. Senior Kelsey Bittinger and sophomore Darby Connors both had 7 kills.

Kent held the lead in the first set until Oakland caught up and tied at 20, only to come back and win 25-21.

“We executed really well right off the bat,” coach Don Gromala said. “We just gotta be better with fighting back a little bit harder.”

The Flashes will play undefeated Towson (12-0) at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Taylor Sforzo is a sports reporter. Contact her at [email protected].