Central Michigan University Athletics
Broncos Storm From Behind to Top Chippewas, 3-2
11/14/2009 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
MOUNT PLEASANT -- After two sets and the largest home crowd of the season on its side, the Central Michigan volleyball team looked to be in control against Mid-American Conference West Division champion Western Michigan, but the Broncos stormed back and shut down the Chippewa offense, claiming a 3-2 victory at Rose Center on Friday.
The Chippewas' middle blockers had a strong showing, with 15 kills by Kaitlyn Hurt and 12 from Kaitlyn Schultz in a combined 54 swings (.352), but the outside hitters struggled to the tune of .024.
"We played great for two sets, but we didn't play to win in the second half of the match. The Broncos are a quality opponent with a sweet 16 lineup, and there's something to be said about playing them tough," head coach Erik Olson said. "We let it get away from us. We lost the serving battle and they were able to adjust to our attack the second half of the match."
The Broncos were held to .217 offensively but the Chippewas could manage just .128 as a squad. A big difference was WMU's 15 blocks, compared to just nine for CMU.
"Western did a great job moving their block around, and Caitlin Strimel did a nice job cleaning up behind it," Olson said. "We just didn't do a very good job of executing tonight."
Senior Alexis Lonneman finished with 29 digs to get within four of CMU's all-time career record, held by Ali McCrite at 1,996. She also added a pair of aces. Senior Stephanie Budde finished with 51 assists.
The annual "Rock the Rose" promotion drew 796 fans to Rose Center, creating a loud and energetic atmosphere, and early on the Chippewas fed off the energy. But the Broncos spoiled the fun, and held CMU to a -.028 mark in the final two frames.
The loss means the Chippewas are likely to host a first round MAC Tournament match at Rose Center on Tuesday.
CMU will close out the MAC schedule against Northern Illinois at Rose Center on Saturday at 7 p.m.
