AKRON, Ohio - The Miami University volleyball team begins its quest to defend its Mid-American Conference championship with the beginning of league play this weekend. The RedHawks hit the road to face Akron on Friday at 7 p.m. That match will air live on ESPN+. Miami then travels to Buffalo Saturday for a 6 p.m. match. That contest will stream live on UB's YouTube channel.

MIAMI BEST IN MAC PAST FOUR SEASONS: Miami has shared the MAC regular season crown each of the past two seasons, finishing with a 15-1 record in 2016 and a 13-3 record last season. The RedHawks' recent run of success goes back even further with records of 12-4 in MAC play in both 2014 and 2015. Their 52-12 record in MAC matches the past four seasons is the best of any team. Northern Illinois and Ohio are tied for second with a 50-14 record over the same stretch.

YOUTH CONTRIBUTING: While the RedHawks have received significant contributions from their upperclassman, a large portion of both the team's offense and defense are coming from their freshmen and sophomores. Statistically, 267 of the team's 557 (47.9 percent) of its kills are coming from those youngsters. In addition, 360 out of the 682 digs (52.8 percent) and 477 out of the 508 assists (93.9 percent) come from the RedHawk underclassmen. ABOUT AKRON: The Zips have been the surprise team in the MAC in 2018. After finishing with a 6-22 record last season, they have already surpassed their 2017 win total with an 8-3 record in non-conference play this season. They won both matches at their own Zip Invitational last weekend, defeating Youngstown State, 3-1, on Friday before sweeping Bucknell on Saturday. Akron has four athletes averaging more than 2.6 kills per set, led by senior outside hitter Kayla Gwozdz. She has 127 kills, an average of 3.02 kills per set. Sophomore libero Taylor Sharrits has been the star defensively with 197 digs, an average of 4.69 per set.

SERIES WITH ZIPS: Miami holds a 44-14 lead in the all-time series with Akron. The RedHawks have won 10 in a row against the Zips, including both matches last season. On Oct. 6, 2017 in Oxford, Miami dropped the first set, but rebounded to take the match, 3-1 (22-25, 25-15, 25-18, 25-18). Margaret Payne put down 16 kills in the victory, while Morgan Seaman recorded a career-high 50 assists. On Nov. 11, 2017 in Akron, the RedHawks had to grind out a 3-0 (26-24, 25-23, 25-22) victory. Katie Tomasic and Olivia Rusek each had 12 kills, while Seaman had 37 assists in the win.

ABOUT BUFFALO: The Bulls are 8-4 on the season. They went 2-1 at the American Volleyball Classic in Washington, D.C. last weekend. On Friday, they swept host American, 3-0. On Saturday, they were swept by fourth-ranked Penn State, but rebounded to take a 3-1 decision over Howard in the nightcap. Buffalo has been led by sophomore outside hitter Andrea Mitrovic. She has 171 kills, an average of 3.98 kills per set.

SERIES WITH BULLS: Miami holds a 29-9 lead in the all-time series with Buffalo. The RedHawks have won seven straight against the Bulls, including both matches last season. On Oct. 5, 2017 in Oxford, a strong overall effort led Miami to a 3-1 (25-22, 25-20, 23-25, 25-23) win. Olivia Rusek led the 'Hawks with a double-double of 15 kills and 10 assists. On Nov. 10, 2017 in Buffalo, Miami overcame a tough first set to take another 3-1 (17-25, 25-19, 25-21, 25-22) victory. Rusek had another double-double with 21 kills and 10 digs in that match.