The Kent State volleyball won one set against Youngstown State but ultimately lost to the Penguins 3-1 (15-25, 20-25, 27-25, 20-25) in its final non-conference game of the season Tuesday night.

The Flashes (7-8, 1-1 MAC) were unable to get their attack going early on in the match and lost the opening two sets as a result. The Penguins entered the match ranking 24th nationally in blocks per set and held Kent State to an attack percentage of just .147.

Despite a relatively disappointing evening for the Flashes, there were some bright spots on the team. Freshman outside hitter Bianca Cifaldi posted a match-high 14 kills, and senior Aleksandra Nowak had a match high 40 assists, along with 12 digs.

Kent State managed to score 18 kills in the third set for its only victory of the match, led by junior Liz Reikow. Reikow record four kills during the set, and sophomore Kelly Hutchison added three of her own to assist the effort.

The Penguins bounced back in the fourth set and managed to keep the Flashes’ attack in check for the five-point win in the set. Kent State was unable to carry the momentum it had built in the third set for the rest of the match.

The Flashes return to MAC action against Bowling Green on Friday and Miami (OH) on Saturday at the M.A.C. Center.

Contact Kent Hushion at [email protected].