KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State volleyball bounced back from a slow start to claim the third set and nearly force a fifth Saturday afternoon, but Liberty held on for a 3-1 victory (25-15, 25-21, 25-27, 25-23) in Conference USA action at VyStar Arena.
The Owls (10-14, 4-8 CUSA) split their two-match weekend series with the Flames after earning a three-set sweep Friday night. Liberty improved to 15-9 overall and 7-5 in conference play.
STAT OF THE GAME
Kennesaw State finished with 12 more kills than Liberty (56-44), but the Owls also committed 31 attack errors compared to just 14 for the Flames. That difference resulted in KSU hitting .164 for the match, while Liberty finished at .246.
THE RUNDOWN
Set One (Liberty 25, KSU 15)
Liberty jumped out to a 4-0 lead to open the match before extending its advantage to 10-2. The Flames continued to control the set, building a 16-5 lead as the Owls struggled to find their offensive rhythm. KSU made a late push, scoring four consecutive points to cut the margin to 23-15, but Liberty recorded the final two points to claim the 25-15 victory.
Set Two (Liberty 25, KSU 21)
The Flames carried their momentum into the second set, taking an early 9-4 advantage before extending the lead to 15-5. Kennesaw State began to battle back behind a strong serving stretch from Gracie Pynes, who recorded two service aces during a four-point run that brought the Owls within 17-12. Liberty maintained its advantage and reached set point at 24-17, but KSU answered with four straight points behind kills from Olivia Burrage and a block by Burrage and Haley Patterson. The Flames eventually closed out the set, 25-21.
Set Three (KSU 27, Liberty 25)
Kennesaw State came out strong following the break, scoring the first four points before extending its lead to 14-7. Liberty battled back and eventually tied the score at 20-20. The Flames moved ahead 24-22 and appeared poised to close out the match, but KSU fought off two match points. The Owls eventually pulled out the 27-25 victory to extend the match.
Set Four (Liberty 25, KSU 23)
The Owls continued their improved play in the fourth set, taking an early 4-2 advantage before the teams traded points. Liberty moved ahead 15-12, but KSU responded to tie the score at 16-16. The Flames answered with three straight points to regain control at 19-16. Kennesaw State continued to battle and pulled within 22-21 before Liberty reached match point at 24-21. Burrage delivered a kill and combined with Anderson for a block to bring KSU within 24-23, but a service error ended the comeback attempt as Liberty escaped with the 25-23 victory.
QUOTABLE
Kennesaw State Head Coach Keith Schunzel
"That's a more than frustrating way to come out today after playing an excellent, inspired match yesterday. We were borderline uninterested and unmotivated for two sets and that's tough to watch. At the end of the day, I'm the leader of the program and I have to help figure out how to help our players show up to compete.
"And it's also very clear we need to find more players who are willing to show up and truly compete multiple days in a row. Not just one match. Not just when we get down and have to fight back. From the beginning, fighting with competitiveness, resilience and pride.
"I thought Alexis Sowers was fantastic all weekend and has been steady as they come all fall. Gracie showed up again today and competed from the get-go.
"Four to go and a lot to play for still, if we choose to."
NOTES
- Olivia Burrage finished with 14 kills on .400 hitting (14-4-25), while adding five blocks.
- Burrage increased her school-record career block total to 436.
- Haley Patterson added 14 kills and two blocks.
- Ashlyn Anderson posted 12 kills on .269 hitting (12-5-26), along with four digs and three blocks.
- Kaeley Walz recorded a match-high 39 assists, three digs and two blocks.
- Alexis Sowers led KSU defensively with a match-high 21 digs.
- Gracie Pynes tied her career high with five service aces while adding seven digs.
- Pynes finished the two-match series with eight service aces after recording three in Friday's victory.
- Ashley Theiss contributed nine digs, while Hannah Pearce added five.
- Kennesaw State finished with 56 kills, 58 digs and eight team blocks.
NEXT TIME OUT
Kennesaw State returns to the road for its final away series of the regular season, taking on Jacksonville State on Thursday, Nov. 5, and Friday, Nov. 6.
THE CHAMPIONS FUND
The Champions Fund is a newly created, 100% tax-deductible philanthropic opportunity to contribute strategic revenue to Kennesaw State Athletics, with the goal of strengthening the ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent in this new era of collegiate athletics. Contributions to the Champions Fund will help fund student-athlete recruitment and retention, competitive excellence through investments in coaching, travel and facilities, and an enhanced student-athlete experience through academic, nutrition, wellness and leadership programs.
