A pair of MAC opponents hurt Flashes’ standings

Junior Laura Jensen dives for the ball during the third game against the nationally ranked Ohio University Saturday. ELIZABETH MYERS | DAILY KENT STATER

Credit: Jason Hall

The Kent State volleyball team was swept by the No. 22 nationally ranked Ohio Bobcats Friday at the M.A.C. Center and by Eastern Michigan on the road Saturday.

Despite the losses, the Flashes’ cloud had a silver-lining, as junior Laura Jensen totaled 13 digs against Ohio to become Kent State’s all-time leader in digs with 1,426.

Jensen broke the record previously held by Larisa Grinbergs, who had 1,416. Grinbergs played for the Flashes from 1993-96.

Ohio (21-3,13-0 Mid-American Conference) took a 16-4 lead over Kent State (13-13, 6-8 MAC) early in game one with great overall play and a .458 hitting percentage. The Flashes could not keep up with the Bobcats picket fence defense.

A minor rally by Kent State late in the game was not enough to overcome a 19-point deficit and it lost 30-14.

In game two, the Flashes responded by coming out fighting. The game stayed close mid-way through. The Flashes took the lead 14-9. Ohio came back to tie the game at 20 and outscored the Flashes 10-7 late in the game and won 30-27.

In the final game, Ohio took a 11-4 lead forcing Kent State to call a timeout. The Flashes tried to come back from a 19-12 deficit, but couldn’t get any closer than seven points, and lost the game and the match 30-17.

Eastern Michigan swept the Flashes 30-20, 30-27 and 30-28 on Saturday.

Kent State will play its last regular-season game this weekend. The Flashes host Miami on Friday and Bowling Green Saturday. Both matches start at 7 p.m.

Contact volleyball reporter Frank Schaefer at [email protected].