Central Michigan University Athletics
CMU Volleyball Begins Long Homestand
10/22/2015 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Cullen Maksimowski, CMUChippewas.com
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — With the midway point of the 2015 Mid-American Conference season in the rearview mirror, The Central Michigan volleyball team is gearing up for strong second-half push.
The Chippewas (9-12, 4-4 MAC) begin a five-match league home stand Friday against Akron (7-14, 1-7). CMU will play Buffalo (3-17, 2-6) on Saturday. Both matches begin at 7 p.m. in McGuirk Arena.
The Chippewas hold a 4-2 record playing in front of the home supporters.
"This team seems to respond pretty well to being home," associate head coach Theresa Beeckman said. "McGuirk has been really nice to us, I think the support we've gotten from the student section and the fans in general has been awesome. It's rocking in here."
Akron senior Dragana Micic leads the MAC in aces per set (.41).
"We will look at their servers, everybody has their tendencies, we will get a good look at them and we'll be ready," said Beeckman. "I will say that our passing has been the reason for our significant difference and the stability in that area."
CMU sophomore outside hitter Jordan Bueter is tied for second in the MAC in aces per set (.40) and sixth in kills per set (3.22), while Angie White is sixth in hitting percentage (.316) and blocks per set (1.03).
CMU ranks second in the MAC in blocks per set (2.18) and fourth in team in hitting percentage (.224)
The Chippewas have won three of their last four matches and are tied for third in the MAC West. Overall, CMU is tied for sixth place. The top eight teams make the conference tournament.
Looking to improve and create separation in the conference standings, Beeckman stressed the importance of never overlooking an opponent.
"Everybody is going to fight for every single point, if we're not getting better every day and preparing just as hard for every opponent, It's all for nothing," she said. "It's extremely important to take care of one point at a time and be the best team we can be and go get them, these are crucial games for us."
Akron defeated Buffalo in four games in its MAC opener but has since dropped seven straight. The Bulls, who play Friday at Eastern Michigan, enter the weeking having lost four straight league matches, all at home.
Buffalo ranks last in five of the seven team statistical categories tracked by the MAC. The Bulls' Megan Lipski ranks eighth in the league with 3.05 kills per set.
