Central Michigan University
.png&width=60&height=60&type=webp)
Western Michigan
Volleyball Drops Thriller to Western Michigan, 3-2
10/8/2005 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Oct. 8, 2005
MOUNT PLEASANT - A rivalry game always seems to bring out the best in both teams and that was the case on Saturday night where Western Michigan squeaked out a thrilling 3-2 (25-30, 30-26, 25-30, 30-23, 15-8) victory over the Central Michigan University volleyball team in Rose Arena.
The Broncos improve to 10-6 on the year, 3-2 in the Mid-American Conference while CMU falls to 3-13, 0-6 in MAC play.
"It was a tremendous match and I am very happy with how our team competed and fought throughout," CMU head coach Erik Olson said. "I am excited to get to practice because it is clear we are an improving team. The offense preformed well tonight and that is because we are finding some new sources of offense. Our players need to understand that if we continue to improve like we did tonight, the wins will come."
CMU had standout performances by multiple players headlined by senior Ali McCrite with 31 digs on the night, one off her career high. Sarah Warner posted her second-straight double-double with a team-high 19 kills and 10 digs while Courtney Kersten tallied a setters double-double with 53 assists and 13 digs.
Kristen Wiloch followed up her 23 kill outing last night with 15 tonight. Other CMU players with double figure kill totals were Alison Baker (11) and Kelly Janisch (10), a career-high for her. Baker also had a team-high six blocks for CMU.
Senior middle blocker Shaylen Jackson, who recorded a match-high 31 kills while hitting .387, led the Broncos. Jenifer Sulewski dished out 64 assists for WMU and Katy Duffy had 22 digs. Kathryn Babcock recorded a double-double with 16 kills and 16 digs.
Western Michigan record more kills (74-68), blocks (20-13) and outhit (.193-.138) CMU in the match with the Chippewas tallying more digs (85-72).
Game one was a tight affair with 16 ties and 11 lead changes. CMU went on a 5-1 run after the score was tied at 22-22 to take control of the frame and go up 1-0. The Chippewas outhit WMU, .237-111, in the game and recorded three more kills, 17-14.
The second game was just as tight early on, but Western Michigan went on a 8-2 run midway through the frame to seize control. CMU did rally to get within three points late, but it was not enough. The Broncos tallied a .229 attacking mark compared to .093 for CMU and WMU recorded four more kills, 18-14.
CMU got back on track following intermission by winning game three. The Chippewas took control after the score was tied at 19-19 as they went on a 6-0 run. CMU again outhit Western Michigan, .216-137, and tallied more kills, 19-15.
The fourth frame was decided by a 6-1 run put together by WMU midway through the game to take a commanding 21-16 lead. CMU did fight back to get within two at 21-23 but the Broncos finished the game on a 7-2 run to wrap things up. Western Michigan hit .227 and tallied 18 kills in the game, topping CMU's .105 hitting percentage and 13 kills.
The Broncos secured the victory with a 9-2 run in game five. WMU totaled nine kills in the final frame and hit .368 while CMU could only muster five kills and had a -.037 attacking mark.
The Chippewas begin a four-match road swing next weekend with contests at Bowling Green and Miami. CMU plays at BSGU on Friday, Oct. 14, beginning at 7 p.m., and against Miami on Saturday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m.
NOTE: Saturday was Alumnae Day for CMU volleyball and over 25 former players came back to CMU to celebrate to event. The day included a scrimmage, which was won 3-0 by the recent grads, a reception and the match, where each alumnae was announced during intermission.
2005 CMU Alumnae Weekend
