Central Michigan University
Toledo
Chippewas Fall in 5, Play at Ball State on Saturday
11/13/2015 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Andy Sneddon, CMUChippewas.com
TOLEDO, Ohio - The Central Michigan volleyball team came this close Friday night to clinching a spot in the Mid-American Conference Tournament.
But Toledo came back from a deficit in the fifth game to defeat the Chippewas, leaving CMU one more chance - Saturday night at Ball State - to guarantee itself a spot in the tourney.
CMU slipped to 11-17 overall, 6-9 MAC. The Chippewas and Buffalo, also 6-9 MAC, are tied for the seventh spot. Eastern Michigan is ninth at 5-10. The top eight make the tournament.
A win on Saturday night at Ball State, which is 7-8 in the MAC, lands CMU in the tournament. But the Chippewas could be shut out of the dance if they lose to Ball State, pending the outcomes of Eastern's match at Toledo and Buffalo's at Kent State.
After dropping the opening set on Friday, 26-24, the Chippewas rebounded to take set two, 25-23, and set three, 26-24, for a 2-1 lead.
The Rockets responded with a 25-23 win in the fourth and then took the fifth, 16-14, coming back from 7-3 and 10-7 deficits.
"As much as we talked about not going in tight, we were tight," CMU associate head coach Theresa Beeckman said, pointing to the Chippewas' 38 hitting errors as an indication.
"No disrespect to Toledo and take nothing away from them -- they were not going down without a fight," Beeckman said. "But we did not put our best foot forward.
"We had times when we were playing great and something would happen you could just see the tournament weighing on their shoulders.
"It's only a complete and total loss if we don't take something from it. They processed it well, they owned it, and reminded themselves that when we decide to be great, we can beat anybody. It stings. It was a tough lesson to learn. But I think they're more determined than ever."
Jordan Bueter led the Chippewas with 18 kills, while Taylor Robertson added 17, Jessica Meichtry added 11, and Paige Carey finished with nine. Setter Kathia Sanchez finished with 57 assists.
Jamison Wolffis led CMU on the back line with 28 digs, Bueter had 17, and Haley Barker and Courtney Hiltibran added 12 apiece. Bueter also had a team-high three aces.
Saige Thomas had 14 kills for the Rockets, and Gracey Tuifua added 13. Toledo is 6-22, 3-12.
The Chippewas won the first meeting with Ball State, 3-1, in Mount Pleasant on Oct. 9. The Cardinals lost, 3-1, at home to Eastern Michigan on Friday. It was their third consecutive loss.
