FRANKFORT, Ky. – Despite a dominant 7-2 advantage at the net, Kentucky State men's volleyball fell to Benedict in four sets.
 
Charles Ababio led the Thorobreds' offensive charge with a game-high 15 kills. He also maintained a .206 hitting percentage while contributing 16.5 total points.
 
Four aces from Ryker Noteboom helped Kentucky State lead the match with nine aces. Both Jalen Finch and Ababio recorded three blocks apiece to help the Thorobreds to a game-high seven blocks.
 
Benedict capitalized off a slow start by Kentucky State, jumping out to a 10-2 lead in the opening frame that led to a 25-13 first-set win.
 
After a 5-5 tie, a dominant serving run by Noteboom fueled a 12-0 closing run. Combined with a .600 hitting percentage, the Thorobreds tied the match at 1-1 with a 25-13 set win.
 
Benedict regained momentum with a hitting percentage of .393 and 14 kills to take a 25-16 third-set win and a 2-1 match lead.
 
Both teams battled in the fourth set. The Thorobreds tied the match 19-19, but a 4-0 run from the Tigers led to a 25-22 set win and a 3-1 match victory.
 
UP NEXT
The homestand with Benedict will come to an end Saturday, March 28. First serve is set for 1 p.m. at Bell Gym.
 
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