After a disappointing 2024 campaign, the Kent State Volleyball team is wrapping up its preseason and preparing for the 2025 season.

Last year, the Flashes struggled mightily, going just 2-26 overall and 1-17 in Mid-American Conference play.

This season, while the Flashes are projected to finish last in the MAC preseason poll and have just one player named to the preseason all MAC team, senior outside hitter Mackenzie McGuire, The team returns most of its players from last year.

The Flashes will open up the season at the Florida Atlantic Invitational in Boca Raton Friday. The Flashes are one of four teams at the event that features Texas Tech, Western Carolina and the host Owls of Florida Atlantic. 

Against teams competing in the tournament, KSU is undefeated against them, beating FAU 3-2 in 2008 and sweeping Western Carolina 3-0 in 2006 per the Kent State Athletics website.

Head Coach Haley Eckerman previewed the matchups on Kent State’s talk show Flashtalk.

“We’re trying to get in the habit of it doesn’t matter who’s on the other side, and if we can take care of our job and trust our defense then we can come out playing in that match,” Eckerman said.

Keys to the season

Last season, the Flashes ranked last in a multitude of categories. The team was  last in kills by 200 compared to the next closest team. The Flashes were also last in digs. 

KSU also ranked bottom in defensive categories such as opponent hitting percentage and average opponent kills per set, so improved numbers in those categories are another key.

Players to watch

In addition to McGuire, senior libero Greta Bolognini will also be a player to watch, as she led the team in digs last season with 270 and averaged a little under three digs per set.

Sophomore Hailey Brenner, who played in all but two matches last season, is a player who Eckerman said is “developing a leadership voice.” She is a player who should look to build  from a solid freshman season.

Finally, a trio of middle blockers, including redshirt junior Liliana Mechura, who led the team in blocks last season with 70, have been working with Eckerman to continue improvements from last season on the blocking game that will hopefully open things up for the rest of the team.

“I’ve really been working with them on taking up more space and being up there touching high and making people hit around us,” Eckerman said.

Overall outlook 

While the Flashes won’t be world beaters this season, with a bunch of returning contributors as well as an experienced roster of transfers, expect  moderate improvement that should build the groundwork for future seasons to come. 

Stone O’Bryant is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].