The Kent State volleyball team’s matchup against Akron Friday could have served as a new beginning for the Flashes, as it marked the start of conference play.

Instead, it was a brutal reminder of how the season struggles so far.

The Flashes (2-10, 0-1 Mid-American Conference) fell to Akron (5-8, 1-0 MAC) in four sets (27-25, 15-25, 18-25, 23-25).

Senior outside hitter Kelsey Bittinger led the team with with 17 kills, while freshman setter Natalie Tagala recorded 34 assists.

The Flashes went up 23-21 in the decisive fourth set, but Akron’s Emily Weigand recorded an attack error, service ace and kill to give the Zips the victory. 

In total, freshman setter Weigand recorded 33 assists, along with five aces.

Kent State will be back in action Saturday when they take on the University of Buffalo.

Henry Palattella is the sports editor. Contact him at [email protected].