Central Michigan University Athletics
Chippewas Stumble in Season Opener Against Panthers
8/27/2010 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Box Score
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Facing a difficult test in its season opener, the Central Michigan volleyball team played No. 24 Northern Iowa tough, but fell short in a 3-0 setback (25-21, 25-23, 25-14) at Holloway Gymnasium in the opener of the Purdue Mortar Board Premier.
The Chippewas (0-1) battled in each of the first two sets before the Panthers (1-0) pulled away in the third set. Jocelyn VerVelde sparked the offense in the second set, but the front line never really got it going and connected at just .147 for the match compared to UNI's .276.
VerVelde paced CMU with 10 kills and hit .364, including six points on 12 swings in the second frame alone. Lauren Krupsky added eight kills and Kaitlyn Schultz chipped in six.
After falling behind early in the first set, the Chippewas battled back to get within three late, 24-21, but the Panthers closed out the frame on a block to take a 1-0 lead.
VerVelde's effort in the second set helped CMU hit .312 in the set and the defense held UNI to just a .194 clip, but five service errors proved to be the difference in a closely contested set.
"We struggled in our passing today and had a tough time getting them out of system," head coach Erik Olson said. "Neither side played their best, but we competed with a quality team. It was a nice showing but we're looking for more than that."
Central Michigan trailed by just two, 11-9, midway through the third set, but a 10-2 run created the separation UNI needed to pick up the victory.
Freshman Jenna Coates started her first career match as the libero and finished with a team-best 10 digs. Lisa Johnson added six.
Junior Catherine Ludwig finished with 28 assists and three blocks. VerVelde paced CMU with four blocks.
"Ludwig made nice choices and we had a real nice right side attack," Olson said. "When we're in system, VerVelde is tough to stop."
The Chippewas have two chances for their first win of the season tomorrow to close out the tournament. CMU faces host Purdue at 10 a.m., and Western Kentucky to close out the weekend at 6 p.m.
NOTES
Purdue's chapter of Mortar Board honored players from each team prior to the first match for their commitment to service and scholarship ... Lindsey Dulude was honored as the top scholar, Kaitlyn Schultz was recognized as the most improved scholar and the community service award was given to Val DeWeerd.
