KENT, Ohio – The Miami University volleyball team got Mid-American Conference play off to the right start as it earned a 3-0 (25-23, 26-24, 25-18) win over Kent State on Friday. The RedHawks improve to 6-6 overall and 1-0 in the MAC. The Golden Flashes fall to 7-6 overall and 0-1 in the MAC.

There were a lot of long rallies between the two teams as they combined for 144 digs in only three sets. Senior libero Abigail Huser led Miami with 19 digs, while sophomore outside hitter Gaby Harper provided her usual great all-around play. Harper finished with a double-double of 12 kills and a season-high 18 digs.

"Both our setters settled into a solid game and this allowed a variety of hitters to disarm Kent," said head coach Carolyn Condit. "(Kent State) played a strong match at home working our passers and forcing our hitters to be creative."

Set one remained tight early as neither team established more than a one point advantage until three straight points for Kent State gave it an 11-9 lead. Back-to-back kills from senior middle hitter Margaret Payne and senior outside hitter Taylor Daignault quickly pulled Miami even. The Golden Flashes went on a 5-2 run to build their largest lead at 16-13. Sophomore outside hitter Sophie Riemersma had two kills and a block as part of a 6-3 answer that tied the score at 19. Tied at 22 a block from Payne and a KSU ball handling error gave the RedHawks set point. After the Flashes fought it off once, a kill from junior right side hitter Sarah Wojick off an assist from sophomore setter Louise Comerford finished off a 25-23 victory.

Kills from Daignault, Harper, Riemersma and junior setter Morgan Seaman helped Miami jump to a 5-3 lead to begin set two. A 5-1 run for Kent State put it on top, 8-6. Wojick had two more kills, while junior middle hitter Avarie Powell had one to get the score tied at 12. The Golden Flashes eventually took an 18-16 advantage. Kills from Harper and Powell, a block by Wojick and Powell, back-to-back service aces from Comerford and another kill from Harper seemingly put the RedHawks in control at 22-18. Kent State did not give up, fighting off two set points as part of a 6-2 run that tied the score at 24. Miami answered however, as back-to-back kills from Daignault and Payne gave it a 26-24 victory.

Riemersma had two kills and two service aces as the RedHawks opened up a 9-3 lead to begin set three. Kent State fought right back, answering with a 10-3 run to take a 13-12 advantage of its own. A kill from Wojick and a service ace by Harper quickly put Miami back in front again. The Flashes scored next, but Daignault, Powell and Harper each scored kills to give the 'Hawks a lead they would not relinquish. Harper recorded two more kills as Miami took a 25-18 win to take the victory in straight sets.

Riemersma finished with nine kills for the RedHawks, while Wojick put down eight. Daignault had seven kills and 13 digs. Each setter recorded 20 assists, while Comerford joined Riemersma with three service aces.

Miami remains on the road as it travels to Ohio for the Battle of the Bricks Saturday. First serve is at 5 p.m. and it will air live on ESPN+.