
Photo by: Samantha Blankenship (Ball State Creative Services)
Strong Blocking Not Enough to Lift Volleyball Past Kent State
March 12, 2021 | Women's Volleyball
MUNCIE, Ind. - - The Ball State blocking effort was on point Friday afternoon in the women's volleyball program's first-ever match in the Jo Ann Gora Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
As a team, the Cardinals (6-8, 6-8 Mid-American Conference) put up a season-high 15 total blocks against Kent State, led by freshman Lauren Gilliland who tied her career-high with nine total blocks.
Unfortunately, the blocking effort was not enough to snap Ball State's current home skid, as the Golden Flashes (11-4, 11-4 MAC) were able to hand the Cardinals a 3-1 (18-25, 25-19, 26-24, 25-16) setback.
In addition to Gilliland's nine total blocks, one solo and eight assists, senior outside Kia Holder tied her career-high with six total blocks. Her biggest was in combination with Gilliland that helped the Cardinals draw within one, at 24-23, in the third set.
Holder, who led all players in the match with 17 kills, would follow with her first career service ace to force extra points in the third frame.
After a dominating performance in last night's five-set thriller versus KSU, freshman Cait Snyder continued to impress with 13 kills and a career-high 10 digs to earn her first career double-double. The 13 kills trailed only Holder's match total, while the 10 digs led the Ball State backcourt.
Back at the net, freshman opposite Cailyn Bolser also had a strong night with a career-high five blocks. She also chipped in four kills.
Lana Strejcek and Danie Tyson tied for team-high honors with 10 kills apiece for Kent State, while Bryn Roberts collected a match-best 16 digs.
The Ball State women's volleyball team continues its five-match homestand Tuesday, when it welcomes Miami to Worthen Arena for a 7 p.m. first serve.
As a team, the Cardinals (6-8, 6-8 Mid-American Conference) put up a season-high 15 total blocks against Kent State, led by freshman Lauren Gilliland who tied her career-high with nine total blocks.
Unfortunately, the blocking effort was not enough to snap Ball State's current home skid, as the Golden Flashes (11-4, 11-4 MAC) were able to hand the Cardinals a 3-1 (18-25, 25-19, 26-24, 25-16) setback.
In addition to Gilliland's nine total blocks, one solo and eight assists, senior outside Kia Holder tied her career-high with six total blocks. Her biggest was in combination with Gilliland that helped the Cardinals draw within one, at 24-23, in the third set.
Holder, who led all players in the match with 17 kills, would follow with her first career service ace to force extra points in the third frame.
After a dominating performance in last night's five-set thriller versus KSU, freshman Cait Snyder continued to impress with 13 kills and a career-high 10 digs to earn her first career double-double. The 13 kills trailed only Holder's match total, while the 10 digs led the Ball State backcourt.
Back at the net, freshman opposite Cailyn Bolser also had a strong night with a career-high five blocks. She also chipped in four kills.
Lana Strejcek and Danie Tyson tied for team-high honors with 10 kills apiece for Kent State, while Bryn Roberts collected a match-best 16 digs.
The Ball State women's volleyball team continues its five-match homestand Tuesday, when it welcomes Miami to Worthen Arena for a 7 p.m. first serve.
Team Stats
KentSt
BSU
Kills
48
43
Errors
23
29
Attempts
129
137
Hitting %
.194
.102
Points
66
61
Assists
48
43
Aces
7
3
Blocks
11
15
Game Leaders
Players Mentioned
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