Kent State volleyball begins Mid-American Conference play in road meets against rival Akron Zips and the Buffalo Bulls this weekend.

The Flashes (6-6) have won five of their last six games and come off their best weekend of the season after winning all three games at the Golden Flashes Classic, while having three players named to the all-tournament team. The squad will look to continue that play when it faces Akron at James A. Rhodes Arena at 7 p.m. Friday.

The Zips enter the contest with a record of 6-5 following a loss to Youngstown State (1-3) at the St. Francis Tournament. Kent State has an added incentive coming into this game–Zips prevailed in both meetings last year between the two sides. Both games ended in three-set defeats for the Flashes.

Following the game at Akron, Kent State will travel to Buffalo, N.Y. to face the Bulls at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The Bulls will be the Flashes’ toughest opponents yet–they currently hold a 12-1 record.

The Bulls’ most recent game was a loss to No. 13, Ohio State, after starting the season with 12 consecutive victories.

Contact Kent Hushion at [email protected].