The Kent State volleyball team's matchup against Akron Friday could have served as a new beginning for the Flashes, as it marked the start of conference play.
Instead, it was a brutal reminder of how the season struggles so far.
The Flashes (2-10, 0-1 Mid-American Conference) fell to Akron (5-8, 1-0 MAC) in four sets (27-25, 15-25, 18-25, 23-25).
Senior outside hitter Kelsey Bittinger led the team with with 17 kills, while freshman setter Natalie Tagala recorded 34 assists.
The Flashes went up 23-21 in the decisive fourth set, but Akron's Emily Weigand recorded an attack error, service ace and kill to give the Zips the victory.