Central Michigan University Athletics
On the Road Again: Chippewas Travel to Face Huskies, Broncos
10/7/2009 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Live Stats | Live Video
MOUNT PLEASANT -- After a pair of victories in its first two home matches of the season, the Central Michigan volleyball team heads back to the road this weekend for a pair of critical early-season matches against Mid-American Conference West Division foes Northern Illinois and Western Michigan.
Friday’s match against NIU is scheduled for 8 p.m., while Saturday’s match against WMU is set for 7 p.m.
While Northern Illinois (7-10, 1-3 MAC) has gotten off to a slow start in 2009, head coach Erik Olson and the Chippewas know the Huskies can cause a team problems if they don’t play their best.
“Their outside hitters can really hit hard. If you aren’t ready to play and play disciplined volleyball, they can really jump up and bite you like they did last year at our place,” Olson said. “Our blocking will be key, and we have to run our offense efficiently, especially in service receive. I also think NIU has the most hostile environment in the MAC, which will be a challenge for us.”
NIU leads the MAC in digs per league match (17.13) but allow opponents to hit .233, the fourth-highest among league members.
The Huskies are led offensively by Allison McGlaughlin, who ranks fourth in the MAC at 4.07 kills per set. Junior Maddie Hughes paces the MAC in digs during conference action at 5.33 per set. McGlaughlin also ranks 10th at 3.60.
The Broncos feature the MAC’s top offense, hitting an impressive .304 (first) while averaging a league-best 13.86 assists and 14.64 kills. The defense is no shortcoming either, ranking third in digs (16.50) and fourth in blocks (1.07) and opponent’s hitting percentage (.163).
Freshman Jessica Brown leads the MAC with a .415 hitting percentage in MAC action and senior Michelle Moore ranks ninth at .312, while also ranking second in kills (4.21). Senior setter Jillian Mitchell leads the conference in league assists at 11.93, and senior Caitlin Strimel ranks third in aces (0.50).
Defensively, Brown (fourth, 1.29) and Ashley Turnage (fifth, 1.17) rank in the top-10 in league blocks and senior Katie Eberling ranks second in MAC digs at 5.14.
“Western Michigan struggled with some injuries early, but they’ve straightened it out and they’re a hot team right now. They’re starting to hit their stride, and they are strong both offensively and defensively,” Olson said. “You never know how a young team will respond to these big matches until they get out there. I know in the long run we’ll respond well, but the key is how we start off. We will get after it and compete, and I’m excited about these matches this weekend.”
The Chippewas (10-4, 3-1 MAC) have won 10 of their last 12 matches heading into the weekend, and currently sit second in the MAC West Division, just a game behind the Broncos (12-7, 4-0 MAC).
Both matches will feature live stats, courtesy of niuhuskies.com and wmubroncos.com, that can be accessed at cmuchippewas.com. Saturday’s match against Western Michigan will also have live video, available to CMU Sports Zone subscribers.
NOTES
‘D’ It Up - The Chippewas have held opponents to a .172 hitting percentage this season, the second-best mark in the MAC. Opponents are also only managing 11.12 kills per set, the second-fewest among league teams. CMU ranks third in digs (15.31) and eighth in blocks (1.80).
Can You Dig It? - Senior Alexis Lonneman is second in the MAC in digs at 4.71. She now sits at 1,792 career digs, 204 shy of Ali McCrite’s (2002-05) program record of 1,996.
Pile up the POTWs - CMU was recognized with its third straight weekly MAC honor this week when Lauren Krupsky was named MAC West Division Offensive Player of the Week. It follows weekly honors for Alexis Lonneman (defensive) and Kaitlyn Hurt (offensive). Krupsky was honored for her 34 kills in eight sets last week, guiding CMU to a 2-0 weekend.
Making Them Count - CMU has played 16 of its last 19 games away from Rose Center dating back to the end of 2008, going 10-6 in those contests. But in the Chippewas’ last 10 home contests they own a 8-2 mark, with seven of those eight wins coming against MAC opponents.
Call Me ‘Ace’ - CMU features three of the top four servers in the Mid-American Conference, led by Kailtyn Hurt’s 0.38 per set (second). Lauren Krupsky is just a hair behind at 0.37 (third) and Stephanie Budde (0.34) ranks fifth.
Killer Krupsky - Junior Lauren Krupsky ranks seventh in the MAC in overall kills at 3.59. She also ranks sixth in the conference with 3.88 kills per league contest.
Tame the Broncos - CMU is 38-39 all-time against Western Michigan, including a 4-2 mark over the past three seasons. The two teams have split the last four meetings, with the home team taking each contest.
All-Time vs. the Huskies - CMU is 18-22 all-time against Northern Illinois, but is 3-1 in the last two seasons. The two teams split last year’s two meetings, with the road team sweeping each contest.
