The UB volleyball team had hoped to carry the momentum and the confidence it gained from its come-from-behind win against Miami of Ohio into this week's showdown at Kent State.
However, the Bulls were soundly swept by the Flashes on Friday night, 3-0.
The Bulls (8-20, 1-14 Mid-American Conference) started the match on a rough, although familiar note, losing the first game 30-23.
Kent State (10-12, 7-8 Mid-American Conference) dominated the majority of the second game as well, taking an easy 30-18 victory.
The third game appeared promising for the Bulls, but they were unable to finish off the Flashes. UB lost the decisive third game, 30-28.
Coach Kus was very disappointed in her team's inability to close out the third game.
"We showed up for the first 28 points of the third game, but we couldn't finish to 30. They had a good jump server who kept them in the game," Kus said.
With her team coming off such a thrilling win against Miami, Coach Kus expected a better performance out of her team against Kent State.
"It's pretty disappointing, we finally got a win and we needed to keep pushing. We need another MAC win," Kus said.
A few of the Bulls turned in impressive performances against the Flashes. Junior Amy Brown finished the game with 20 assists, five digs and two blocks. Senior Molly Schrantz, junior Katie Weekley and freshman Tammy Jul?(c) recorded seven kills apiece. Sophomore Nikki Morzenti had six kills and eight digs and freshman libero Lizaiha Garcia recorded 10 digs.
"Lizaiha played great; she kept us in rallies that helped us stay close and Nikki was a great leader on the court," Kus said.
The Bulls have one last chance to record another regular season MAC victory before the conclusion of the 2004 season.
Coach Kus wants the team to focus on its first pass.
"We need to work on our first pass; if we can pass the ball to our setter, we can compete with anyone in the MAC, we just wait until we're down to start getting motivated," Kus said.
Coach Kus also pointed to consistency being a factor that could lead to success for the Bulls in terms of the upcoming MAC playoffs.
"We need to play consistently and at a higher level, so we have confidence going into the MACs," said Kus. "If we can execute, then that's a motivator."
Following the conclusion of the regular season, the playoffs will begin for the Bulls. The Bulls are currently holding onto 13th place in the MAC. If the standings remain, the Bulls will be facing number four seed Western Michigan (16-10 overall, 10-5 MAC) in the first round of the playoffs. In the only meeting between the two teams this year, WMU defeated UB 3-1 on Sept. 24.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
