Kent State University
Virginia Tech
Kent State Opens 2026 Volleyball Season at Hokie Invitational
8/27/2026 12:51:00โฏPM | Women's Volleyball
Kent State will play three matches during the opening weekend of the 2026 season as part of the Hokie Invitational with each contest being played at Virginia Tech's Cassell Center.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Friday, August 28
10:30 a.m.ย ย ย ย Kent State at Virginia Tech (ACCNX)
4:30 p.m.ย ย ย ย ย ย Kent State vs. Coppin State
Saturday, August 29
11 a.m.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Kent State vs. William & Maryย ย
PREVIEWING THE FLASHES
In an era of high roster turnover, fifth-year head coach Haley Eckerman brings back the core of last season's roster. With the familiarity that results from 11 returners that includes five regular starters, the Golden Flashes are a candidate to be the surprise team in the Mid-American Conference this season.
In her first season at the Division I level, setter Christina Vigil ranked fifth in the MAC with 9.07 assists per set in 2025. Vigil was also a major contributor defensively and ranked second on the team in digs (2.49/set) and third in blocking (0.60/set).
The trio of Adalynn Ginley, Nadia Miller and Liliana Mechura provide depth in the middle. Ginley posted an efficient .317 hitting percentage that was the sixth highest in the MAC while ranking eighth in the conference with 1.07 blocks per set. Miller excelled after moving into the rotation near the start of league play and recorded averages of 2.82 points and 0.99 blocks per set for the season. Mechura has started in 36 of the 39 matches she has appeared for the Flashes over the past two years.
Macie Moreland and Mercedez Brown are the top returners at the pins and look to show growth in their second year with the program. Moreland was second on the team in total kills (186) and kills per set (2.00) as a freshman and Brown was close behind with 175 total kills and 1.88 kills per set in her first year at the Division I level.
Hailey Brenner led the team at 2.52 digs per set last season and is joined by Catie Patterson (1.97 digs/set) and Lesley Furuta (1.92 digs/set) as back row returners.
Setter Kylee Baranski (Central Connecticut State), defensive specialist Maggie Kachmarik (West Georgia) and right side/outside hitter Vanessa Imoh (UC Irvine) are additions who bring multiple years of experience at the Division I level.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
Virginia Tech
The Hokies were picked last in the Atlantic Coast Conference preseason poll after going 12-19 last season. Middle blocker Izzy Mishler headlines three returning starters posted a .349 hitting percentage with averages of 1.69 kills and 1.16 blocks per set. Transfers Destiny Walker (Eastern Illinois) and Frances Torres-Esperanza (Colgate) bring experience at the pins. Walker led the Ohio Valley Conference with 3.98 kills per set last season.
Coppin State
The Eagles were picked first in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference preseason poll after a 23-12 campaign in which they captured league regular season and tournament titles. Libero Coco Figueroa was named MEAC Preseason Player of the Year and was joined on the Preseason All-MEAC Team by outside hitter Cherisse Atilano and middle blocker Kayden Cupid. Figueroa averaged a conference-best 4.60 digs per set last season, which ranked 38th nationally. Atilano was the MEAC Rookie of the Year after averaging 2.67 kills and 2.76 digs per set.
William & Mary
The Tribe were picked eighth in the Coastal Athletic Association preseason poll and return most of their top defensive performers from last year's squad that posted a 12-15 record. William & Mary ranked 18th in the nation in blocks per set (2.69) and two of the team's top three blockers are back in the lineup in middle blocker Olivia Westfort (0.92 blocks/set) and right side Katherine Arnason (0.77 blocks/set). Libero Avery Horejsi averaged 4.60 digs per set a year ago, which ranked 38th in the country.
UP NEXT FOR THE FLASHES
Kent State will travel to Arlington, Texas for three contests as part of the UTA Tournament on Sept. 4-5.
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