The Eastern Michigan University volleyball team made its record 2-0 in Mid-American Conference play Saturday night when it swept the Kent State University Flashes, 3-0, at the Convocation Center.
The Eagles (14-3) were led by sophomore outside hitter Rachel Iaquaniello, who recorded a double-double with 11 kills and 10 digs. Three other Eagles had seven kills each, and junior setter Ashley Mason put up 32 assists.
The first game was opened with a 3-1 Kent State lead, its largest of the set. But the Eagles turned it around and won 25-20.
The Eagles found themselves tied with the Flashes three times in the second game.
However, a kill by Iaquaniello sealed the deal for EMU with a 25-19 win in the third game.
In the third game, the Eagles opened with a kill from Erin Short. The lead was exchanged many times until the Eagles opened up a seven-point gap. The Flashes made another attempt to win the set, but EMU reached the 25-point mark and closed the game out.
Kent State (7-10, 0-2 MAC) was led by junior middle blocker Liva Brivule, who posted a double-double with 12 kills and 11 digs.
According to Iquaniello, it was the intensity of the rallies between the teams that kept the Eagles on track.
EMU will go outside of conference play in its next game against the Wright State Raiders (6-8) at 7 p.m. tomorrow in Dayton, Ohio.
Also see our interview with EMU coach Kim Berrington.