Kent State’s women’s volleyball team improved to 4-2 on the season in the Golden Flashes Classic at the MAC center this weekend.

The Flashes played at home for three matches, where they were victorious over Valparaiso University and Idaho State. Kent lost to Robert Morris University on Saturday evening.

Kent started their homestand weekend on Friday evening with a 3-2 victory over Valparaiso. 

Head coach Don Gromala was satisfied with how his team battled against Valparaiso, saying that they executed well in a tough match where they had to come back to win. Kent had lost the first set 22-25, but then rallied in the second set 25-17 and won the third set 25-19. Valparaiso edged out Kent in the fourth set 28-16, but the Flashes persevered in the fifth set, winning 15-11.

Sophomore Danie Tyson and freshman Morgan Casey led the way for the Flashes against Valparaiso with 17 kills respectively. 

Kent’s serving was on full display on Saturday afternoon against Idaho State. The Flashes had eight aces compared to only one ace from their opponent. 

“I think our servers are really good this year,” Gromala said. “Overall, we really liked how some people stepped up and played.”

Gromala got to see how his team would handle holding onto a lead against Idaho State. The Flashes won the first two sets, dropped the third, and then edged out a 3-1 victory against the Bengals.

“We had a great start against Idaho State and they fought back,” Gromala said. “We held on to win that, after getting pushed and held the lead.”

Freshman Taylor Heberle had 20 kills in the match.

Kent ran into the red-hot Robert Morris University on Saturday night.

Robert Morris is still undefeated, and was 5-0 heading into the match with the Golden Flashes. The Colonials defeated the Flashes 3-1. 

“I think Robert Morris is just playing really well right now,” Gromala said. “They have good rhythm with everything they’re doing.”

In the match, reigning MAC defensive player of the week Erin Gardner had 21 digs.

“I think she’s getting much more disciplined in her positioning,” Gromala said of Gardner’s impressive start to the season. “All around she’s become a better player.”

Kent’s next matchup is in Youngstown on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN+. After that, the team will head to New York for a three-game series at the Black Knights Invitational.

Contact Nicholas Pedone at [email protected]