OXFORD, Ohio— The Miami RedHawks (6-9) fell in a four-set loss Saturday evening against Kent State (10-5), 25-13, 22-25, 21-25, 12-25.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The RedHawks took the first two points of the set; Kent State responded by tying the game at 3-3. Miami then went on a 5-0 run to take an 8-3 lead. The Golden Flashes would fight to stay within five at a score of 13-8, although the RedHawks had other intentions. Miami went on another run (6-0) thanks to a flurry of kills from Brooke Jackson, Ellie Hanson, and Maggie McCrary. In the end, Gentry Warrick recorded back-to-back kills to secure a 25-13 win.
Kent State managed to pull ahead 5-1 early in the second set. Multiple kills from the Miami offense and a Jackson service ace brought the score within one at 6-5. The Golden Flashes would again find their momentum, going on to take a 17-9 lead. This did not deter Miami, outscoring Kent State 11-5 after multiple blocks from the Miami defense and two service aces from Hanson. The Red and White would come within two when the score reached 22-20. The Golden Flashes went on to win 25-22.
The third set began with back-and-forth gameplay. Kent State attempted to pull away, but a kill and service ace from Jackson brought Miami back within one. The battle continued through the middle of the set, with the score tied at 8-8. Right after, two kills from McCrary helped the RedHawks take a 10-9 lead. The RedHawks and Golden Flashes would continue to exchange blows, with Kent State ultimately winning the set 25-21. No team led by more than four points in the entire set.
The score was tied 2-2 at the start of the fourth. Shortly after, the Golden Flashes found their rhythm, taking an 8-3 lead. Miami responded to shrink the advantage to 12-9. In the end, Kent State was able to hold on to its lead and close out the set 25-12.
NOTES:
- Allyson Severance and McCrary recorded the game-high of 12.5 points apiece.
- Hanson had a game-high 11 kills.
UP NEXT:
Miami visits Western Michigan University on Friday, Oct. 7 and follows this up by traveling to Northern Illinois on Saturday, Oct. 8.