Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
Buffalo
Chippewas Rebound, Top Buffalo in MAC Match
10/21/2016 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Cullen Maksimowski, CMUChippewas.com
BUFFALO, New York — Jordan Bueter posted a season-high 26 kills Friday as the Central Michigan volleyball team edged Buffalo, 3-2, in a Mid-American Conference matchup at the Bulls' Alumni Arena.
The win snaps a three-game losing streak for the Chippewas, who improve to 9-12 overall with a 3-6 mark in the conference. The Bulls move to 2-20, 1-8.
"I really liked the way we were able to battle back tonight," CMU coach Mike Gawlik said. "I'm proud of the way we were able push back when we found our backs against the wall a few times."
CMU jumped out to an early lead capturing set one, 29-27. Buffalo responded with wins in sets two and three, 25-19, 25-19.
The Chippewas extended the match with a 25-23 win in set four and rallied from an 11-7 deficit to take the match, 15-13, in set five.
"It was great victory overall for our team and our program tonight," Gawlik said. "It's something we needed to see and liked the way we were able to respond when things weren't going our way. Definitely a game we can build on."
Central Michigan finished the match with a .333 hitting percentage compared to the .231 posted by Buffalo.
Sophomore outside hitter Laura Wilson added 13 kills in the win for the Chippewas. Junior outside hitter Jessica Meichtry had 10 kills to go with a .364 hitting percentage.
"I think all of our outside hitters did a real nice job for us tonight," said Gawlik. "Bueter set the tone with 26 kills, Meichtry did an admirable job filling in for Taylor Robertson on the right side and I was excited about the emotion that Laura Wilson brought to our offense tonight."
Robertson, a junior outside hitter who ranks second on the team with 2.50 kills per set, sat out with a knee injury suffered in last weekend's match against Bowling Green.
Senior Kathia Sanchez finished with 45 assists from the setter position and led CMU with a .400 hitting percentage. Freshman libero Megan Kern paced CMU defensively with 21 digs.
Cassie Shado led the attack for the Bulls with 21 kills. Megan Wernette finished with 20.
The Chippewas will return to action Saturday (5 p.m.) at Akron (5-16, 0-9) for a MAC matchup. The Zips were swept, 3-0, by Eastern Michigan Friday.
