In the final tune-up weekend before its Mid-American Conference opener at Ohio University, the Kent State volleyball team dropped two matches in deflating fashion at the Tiger Invitational in Towson, Md.

The Flashes (8-4) fell to Towson University Friday morning in four sets and lost in five sets to St. John’s University later in the day.

The losses marked the first consecutive series of losses for Kent State this season.

The Tigers came out strong against the Flashes, taking the first two sets, 25-16 and 25-15. Led by junior middle blocker Bridget Wilhelm’s five kills and a block in the third set, the Flashes notched the third set, 25-22, but ultimately faltered again in the fourth, 25-23.

Junior opposite Kelly Hutchison offensively led the Flashes, registering eight kills and a .286 hitting percentage. Senior middle blocker Liz Reikow finished with seven kills of her own. Senior defensive specialist Kaylee Koller spearheaded the defense, totaling eight of the team’s 37 digs.

The Flashes played a stronger match with St. John’s, but wavered  in a back-and-forth duel decided in the fifth set, 15-10. After falling in the first set, the Flashes won the second and fourth, 25-12 and 26-24. Senior outside hitter Tinuke Aderemi-Ibitola finished the match with 12 kills and five blocks.

Koller led the defense again, tallying another 12 digs on the weekend. Freshman setter Brittney Jakscht came out of the match with 47 assists.

Kent State will conclude its road trip and the Tiger Invitational on Saturday morning with a match against North Dakota State University. 

Contact Jimmy Miller at [email protected].