McGuire Shines Bright as Kent State’s Golden Flashes kicked off their 2025 volleyball season at the FAU Invitational in Boca Raton, Florida, on August 29th and 30th. While the team faced a challenging start, going 0-3, senior outside hitter Mackenzie McGuire delivered a series of electrifying performances, consistently leading the team in kills. Her individual brilliance offers a beacon of promise as the Golden Flashes look to rebound throughout the season, according to Kent State Athletics.
Opening Weekend Recap
Friday’s Matches: Florida Atlantic and Western Carolina
The Golden Flashes commenced their season on Friday, August 29th, with matches against host Florida Atlantic University and Western Carolina University. In the first match against Florida Atlantic, Kent State fell in straight sets (24-26, 17-25, 20-25), as reported by Florida Atlantic University Athletics. Despite the loss, McGuire led the Kent State attack with an impressive 17 kills. The Flashes then faced Western Carolina, where McGuire upped her performance, recording 19 kills. However, Kent State was defeated 3-1 (22-25, 19-25, 27-25, 23-25), according to Western Carolina University Athletics. Despite the team’s overall struggles, McGuire’s offensive output was a clear positive.
Saturday’s Match: Texas Tech
Saturday, August 30th, saw the Golden Flashes face off against Texas Tech in a tightly contested match. All sets were decided by a margin of three points or fewer, highlighting the competitive nature of the contest. McGuire delivered her most outstanding performance of the weekend, racking up 26 kills. This total represented the highest number of kills by any Mid-American Conference (MAC) attacker during the opening weekend, as noted by Kent State Athletics. Despite McGuire’s stellar play, Kent State ultimately lost to Texas Tech 3-1 (23-25, 22-25, 25-23, 22-25).
McGuire’s All-Tournament Recognition
McGuire’s exceptional performance throughout the FAU Invitational earned her a well-deserved spot on the all-tournament team. Her consistent high-level play, marked by at least 17 kills in each of the three matches, underscored her importance to the Golden Flashes’ offense. Kent State Athletics recognized her achievement, emphasizing her consistent performance throughout the weekend. This recognition underscores her value to the team and highlights her potential for a successful season.
Preseason All-MAC Honors
Prior to the start of the season, Mackenzie McGuire was named to the 2025 Preseason Volleyball All-MAC Team. This accolade, confirmed by Kent State Athletics, reflects the high expectations placed on her as a key player for the Golden Flashes. Her inclusion on the All-MAC team signifies her standing as one of the top volleyball players in the conference and sets the stage for a season filled with high expectations.
Looking Ahead: McGuire’s Electrifying Impact
While the opening weekend presented challenges for the Kent State Golden Flashes, Mackenzie McGuire’s individual performances provided a bright spot. Her consistent offensive output, leadership on the court, and recognition as an all-tournament team member demonstrate her potential to significantly impact the team’s success throughout the 2025 season. The team will look to build on McGuire’s momentum and translate her individual brilliance into team victories as the season progresses, as reported by Kent State Athletics. Her electrifying performances offer a foundation upon which the Golden Flashes can strive for improvement and success in future matches.
