The Kent State women’s volleyball team will take on the University of Buffalo this Friday, Oct. 9 and the University of Akron on Saturday, Oct. 10.

The Flashes, who will be looking to move above .500 in conference play (2-2), travel to Buffalo, New York, to play a team that enters Friday’s matchup with a 3-13 record.

Buffalo will begin the game having lost in four of its last six appearances. However, the team has managed to stay relevant in conference play to this point with a record of 2-2 in the MAC. 

The Flashes lead Buffalo in total kills (816-628), total assists (761-581) and total digs (968-748). Last season, Kent State defeated Buffalo in both matchups, winning six of the eight total sets played.

Kent State travels to Akron to play a Saturday night game against the rival Zips. Akron has compiled a record of 7-11 thus far and sits second-to-last in the MAC East standings (2-2).

The Zips have lost three straight games against conference opponents, but host The Flashes at home Saturday, where they have compiled a record of 3-2.

Like Buffalo, Kent State leads Akron in total kills, assists and digs. They won both games against Akron last season, winning six of the eight total sets played.

Kent State sophomore libero Challen Geraghty, received MAC East Defensive Player of the Week honors after recording 48 digs in two conference games, including a 26-dig showing against Central Michigan. Currently, Geraghty leads the team with 326 digs.

Sophomore Kelsey Bittinger has recorded a team-high 244 kills with senior Kelly Hutchison close behind at 187. Sophomore Katarina Kojic leads the team in total assists with 616.

Jesse Runner is a sports reporter. Contact him at [email protected].