Central Michigan University
Nebraska-Omaha
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9/19/2015 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Final Stats vs. Nebraska-Omaha | Final Stats vs. San Jose State
Cullen Maksimowski, CMUChippewas.com
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. -- The Central Michigan Volleyball put on a dominant performance Saturday, going 2-0 to claim the Chippewas Challenge trophy at McGuirk Arena.
CMU defeated San Jose State and Nebraska-Omaha, each in three-set sweeps. It was the first 3-0 victories of the season for the Chippewas (3-0).
The Chippewas rebounded from a 3-1 loss to Evansville in their tournament opener on Friday.
"I thought we bounced back from a tough start to the weekend," said CMU coach Erik Olson. " Our team did a great job executing (Saturday) morning (against San Jose State), It was just a really nice job of us playing as a team."
Olson said his team's effort on Saturday has been the best display of the sustained greatness on the court this season. He also stressed the significance of the team's ability to win both games in non-five set matches.
Senior middle blocker Angelique White led the Chippewas with 14 kills against San Jose State. White finished the weekend with 28 kills and was named to the all-tournament team.
"With it being my last year as a senior it was really special to be on the all-tournament team at home, it was a special feeling," White said.
Sophomore outside hitter Taylor Robertson was also named to the all-tournament team.
Junior Kathia Sanchez earned the tournament Most Valuable Player Award for her performance at the setter position. Sanchez compiled 112 assists and 22 digs.
"I love it, I love the energy we had, the crowd was amazing and I just seriously loved every part about it," said Sanchez of receiving MVP and playing in front of the home supporters for the first time this season.
CMU freshman libero Jamison Wolffis received defensive tournament MVP honors, collecting 33 digs on the weekend.
"Jamie just did a great job of passing the ball, and that just kept our offense going." Olson said. " She brought up key important digs, and I do think teams we're starting to play keep-away from her."
San Jose State also finished 2-1 in the tournament. The Chippewas claimed the championship trophy because they defeated the Spartans, 26-24, 25-22, 25-20. CMU defeated Nebraska-Omaha, 25-21, 25-23, 25-19.
The Chippewas will look to ride the momentum from this weekend into next Fridays' Mid-American Conference opener against Northern Illinois.
"We've got talent, we're athletic, we're fast and we're powerful," Olson said. "We have to use what we have in our tool belt and that's what our team has started to."
2015 Chippewa Challenge All-Tournament team:
Taylor Robertson (CMU)
Angie White (CMU)
Nandayla Gama (SJ)
Allison Meehan (SJ)
Sydney O'Shaughnessy (Omaha)
Stephanie Cerino (UE)
Most Valuable Player: Kathia Sanchez (CMU)
Defense Player: Jamison Wolffis (CMU)
