Golden Flashes Voted Fifth In MAC Volleyball Poll
8/26/2014 11:01:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Kent State volleyball team was picked to finish fifth in the Mid-American Conference East Division according to the conference's preseason coaches poll released on Tuesday (Aug. 26).
After guiding the Golden Flashes to a 12-18 record last season, head coach Don Gromala welcomes back nine letterwinners, including starters Kelly Hutchison, Kaylee Koller, Liz Reikow and Bridget Wilhelm. The Flashes posted a 6-10 conference mark to tie for third in the MAC East and earned the No. 8 seed in the MAC Tournament, where they lost to tournament champion Ohio in the first round.
Ohio is projected to win the East Division, a feat the Bobcats have accomplished in each of the past 12 seasons. In the West Division, Ball State was selected as the favorite. Ohio was also picked to win both the regular season and tournament titles.
Kent State opens the season this weekend with three matches at the College of Charleston Invitational, beginning with a 4:30 p.m. contest against Mercer on Friday (Aug. 29). The Flashes then make their season debut at the M.A.C. Center with the Hampton Inn Golden Flashes Classic on Sept. 5-6.
The 2014 MAC Volleyball Tournament will be held Nov. 21-24 with the top eight teams in the conference competing for a postseason bid at the Convocation Center in Athens, Ohio.
Season tickets are on sale and can be purchased for just $42. Call the Kent State Ticket Office at 330-672-2244 to order or for more information.
2014 MAC Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll
MAC East
1. Ohio (11 first place votes)
2. Buffalo (1)
3. Bowling Green
4. Miami
5. Kent State
6. Akron
MAC West
1. Ball State (7 first place votes)
2. Northern Illinois (4)
3. Western Michigan (1)
4. Eastern Michigan
5. Central Michigan
6. Toledo
Predicted MAC Regular Season Champion: Ohio (8)
Predicted MAC Tournament Champion: Ohio (9)
