Kent State’s volleyball team continued their three-week road trip against Bowling Green and Miami University.

On Friday evening, the Flashes were able to beat Bowling Green in four sets, a match where Kent would post a hitting percentage of .285. 

Fresh off of their five-set victory against Western Michigan last weekend, Kent came out fast, and took the opening set 25-23 before winning the second set 25-17. Bowling Green battled back in the third set, winning it 25-23. This wouldn’t shake the Flashes, who put away the Falcons in a 25-22 fourth set.

“Our kids scrapped and clawed,” coach Don Gromala said. “I think defensively we did some really good things, just keeping the ball in play.”

Senior Ashley Makruski led the way for Kent’s offensive efforts with 18 kills in Friday’s match. Sophomore Alex Haffner led the passing with 58 assists. Sophomore Erin Gardner contributed 23 digs, followed by junior Kaeleigh Stang who had 20. Senior Myla King had five of Kent’s eight total blocks.

“I think Kaeleigh Stang had a great match defensively, and Ashley offensively did a lot of great things, but it started with everybody.” Gromala said.

Friday evening’s win against Bowling Green was win No. 100 for Gromala, who has been with Kent State since 2012.

After the match, Gromala said his team needed to shift their preparation for Saturday’s match against Miami University.

Miami came into Saturday first place in the division with a conference record of 9-2. 

In Oxford, the RedHawks of Miami took the first two sets 25-17 respectively. Miami swept Kent in the third set 25-18. 

Haffner had 28 assists in the loss. Gardner had 21 digs.

Up next, the Flashes will face the Ohio University Bobcats in Athens on Thursday night. On Saturday night, the Flashes will finally return home to the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center to play Eastern Michigan University.

Contact Nicholas Pedone at [email protected]