As Kent State volleyball moves into the second half of the season, it moves closer and closer to achieving team unity and consistent player performance.

The Flashes (6-13, 2-6 Mid-American Conference) worked this week to improve defensive blocking and ball handling, as well as passing and hitting.

“Right now there are individuals who are good athletes, but we don’t all work together,” senior outside hitter Danielle Holt said. “Northern has a big hitter we need to shut down.”

Hitting and serving will also be key this weekend as the Flashes face Northern Illinois (11-11, 4-4 MAC) and Western (13-6, 6-3 MAC), both of which have strong defenses.

This weekend the teams plans to use include both Anja Knabe-Paulsen and Anne Butts as setters, as well as re-introduce freshman Lindsay Skorupan in the lineup. The Flashes have also been focusing to fine-tune a new defense, Holt said.

The Flashes square off against Northern Illinois at 7 p.m. Friday and conclude the weekend against Western Michigan at 7 p.m. Saturday.

-Amanda Vasil