Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
Ball State
Chippewas Fall, Miss Out on MAC Tournament
11/14/2015 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Cullen Maksimowski, CMUChippewas.com
MUNCIE, Ind. — With a bid to the Mid-American Conference Tournament on the line the Central Michigan volleyball team needed either a win or an Eastern Michigan loss to get in.
It got neither.
CMU fell in a five-set heartbreaker to Ball State and EMU squeaked out a five-set victory over Toledo on Saturday, ending the Chippewas' season.
"Well it is extremely tough obviously," said associate head coach Theresa Beeckman. "We can't take it as a complete loss though. They left it all out on the court tonight and they can have that peace of mind knowing they gave everything they had.
"We have had quite the journey this season. It's tough right now, but there is good in any situation and I think we can look back on this match with no regrets."
The Chippewas finish 11-18 overall and 6-10 in the MAC, missing the tournament for the second consecutive season.
Buffalo and Eastern also finished 6-10 in MAC play, and they claimed the seventh and eighth seeds, respectively, in the tournament. The Bulls and Eagles held tie-breakers over the Chippewas.
CMU looked good early battling to take set one, 29-27. Ball State raced out to an eight-point lead in set two and won, 25-20, to even the match.
The Chippewas took set three, 25-20; the Cardinals answered with a 25-19 win in set four and held off CMU in set five, 15-10, to win the match.
Sophomore outside hitter Jordan Bueter paced CMU with 18 kills, while Angelique White had 12, and Taylor Robertson and Jessica Meichtry each had 10.
Junior setter Kathia Sanchez finished with 54 assists, and freshman libero Jamison Wolffis had 23 digs.
It was the final career match for White, who hit a season-high .455 on the night. White missed several matches late in the season with an injury.
"Angie hasn't had the easiest journey," said Beeckman. " She has been through a lot but she left it all out on the court tonight."
It was also the final match in maroon and gold for middle blocker Kalle Mulford and defensive specialist Haley Barker.
"What our seniors have given us words can't even describe," Beeckman said. "They've been through so much, made so many sacrifices, and gave us everything they had."
With an abundance of youth on the team there is plenty to look forward to for CMU volleyball, Beeckman said.
"They're incredibly talented," she said of the players who will return. "I feel like they matured as players tonight. Our sophomores played like juniors and our freshman played like sophomores. I think they learned a lot of valuable lessons this season"
Ball State (14-16, 8-8) was led by Alex Fuelling, who had 20 kills, and Mackenzie Kitchel, who added 18.
