KENT, Ohio—After being edged in the first set, the Miami University volleyball team captured the next three sets to seize a hard-fought four-set win at Kent State University on Friday evening, 24-26, 25-23, 25-17, 27-25. Miami, who moves to 6-6 overall and in Mid-American Conference action, splits the two-match series with the Golden Flashes (9-4).
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• A 6-1 run in the first set that included three kills from senior Sarah Wojick and two from senior Avarie Powell helped Miami to an 18-14 lead. KSU notched four unanswered points to knot the set and the teams went back and forth before the Golden Flashes scored two straight to clip the RedHawks, 26-24.
• Neither team led by more than two in the second set until Miami used a 3-0 spurt that included kills from Wojick and freshman Maggie McCrary to pull ahead, 17-14. The RedHawks pushed their lead to 19-15 off a block by Wojick and Powell, but KSU climbed back to knot the set, 23-23. Kills by McCrary and Wojick cinched the second set for MU, 25-23, tying the match at one set apiece.
• Miami led from start to finish, hitting an impressive .478 in the third set. A pair of service aces by senior Abigail Huser helped Miami extend its lead to 17-10 and force a KSU timeout. The Golden Flashes closed within four, 21-17, but two kills from McCrary and a pair of KSU miscues lifted Miami to a 25-17 win in the third set and a 2-1 lead in the match.
• Three kills from junior Sophie Riemersma gave Miami a quick 5-1 lead in the fourth set. KSU fired back with a 7-0 run to claim an 8-5 advantage. The teams traded punches in a gritty battle for the set. Trailing 23-20, Miami scored four straight points to push ahead, and the teams continued to go toe-to-toe. Kills by Wojick and Powell clinched the fourth set, 27-25, and handed Miami the match.

COMMENTS FROM HEAD COACH CAROLYN CONDIT:
"Tonight Morgan produced one of her best setting performances, allowing her hitters to shine to earn the win. It was our best team performance of the season with Allyson (Severance), Sarah, Avarie, Sophie and Morgan each making key plays when it counted most! Abigail continued to shine in the backcourt adding to her defensive milestone reached on Thursday."

 
NOTES:

• Huser led the RedHawks with 25 digs and has recorded 20 or more digs in five matches this season.
• Riemersma and Wojick led Miami with 15 kills apiece. It ties a season high for Riemersma.
• Powell was the other RedHawk in double figures for kills with 12 and added 10 digs.
• Senior Morgan Seaman led all players with 53 assists.

UP NEXT:
Miami returns home for three matches next week, beginning with a 7 p.m. match against Toledo on Tuesday, March 9. This is a rescheduled match from one that was postponed earlier in the season.