FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky State men's volleyball team faced a challenging slate of non-conference action Friday, dropping a pair of straight-set decisions to Oakland City and NCAA Division I opponent University of Maryland Eastern Shore at Exum.
 
Match One: Oakland City 3, Kentucky State 0
In the afternoon opener, Oakland City (1-0) utilized a clinical offensive performance to defeat the Thorobreds 25-12, 25-10, and 25-14. The Mighty Oaks hit a blistering .455 as a team, led by Ariel Fokoua and Tinevimbo Goto.
 
Kentucky State's Jamir Patterson tallied six kills in the effort, while Jackson Moffitt recorded 11 assists and three digs. Despite the defensive efforts of Jamal Gray and D'Angelo Coleman, who combined for six digs, the Thorobreds were unable to overcome the Oaks' seven team blocks.
 
Match Two: UMES 3, Kentucky State 0
In the nightcap, the Thorobreds showed improved offensive life but ultimately fell to a physical UMES (8-4) squad 25-12, 25-15, and 25-18.
 
Patterson again led the attack for the Thorobreds, recording a team-high eight kills. D'Angelo Coleman provided a significant spark from the service line, leading all players with three aces while adding five kills and five digs. Moffitt orchestrated the offense with 17 assists, and Gray anchored the back row with a match-high six digs.
 
The Thorobreds' best showing came in the third set, where they recorded 11 kills and traded leads with the Hawks early. However, the UMES front line proved too strong, finishing with 11 total blocks to stifle the Kentucky State comeback attempt.
 
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