Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
Akron
Chippewas Fall in 5-Setter at Akron
10/22/2016 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Cullen Maksimowski, CMUChippewas.com
AKRON, Ohio. — The Central Michigan volleyball team rallied from an 0-2 deficit Saturday, but could not complete the comeback, falling to Akron in five sets in a Mid-American Conference match at the Zips' James A. Rhodes Arena.
The Chippewas slip to 9-13 overall with a 3-7 mark in the conference. Akron moves to 6-16, 1-9.
"Overall I was pleased with our fight and the way we battled back tonight," CMU coach Mike Gawlik said. "I think it was more of our execution that let us down tonight."
CMU dropped the opening two sets, 26-24, 25-23 before battling back with wins in sets three and four, 25-21, 25-23 to push it to a fifth set. Akron took set five, 15-8, to claim the match.
"I think I was more disappointed in set one than set five," Gawlik said. "We got off to a nice start in the first set and even there in the second, but we just missed on too many opportunities and let it get away from us down the stretch."
The Chippewas finished the match with a .225 hitting percentage compared to .172 for the Zips. CMU had 10 service errors; Akron had just one.
Junior outside hitter Jordan Bueter totaled 20-plus kills for the second straight match, finishing with 21 to lead the Central Michigan attack. She posted a season-high 26 in Friday's five-set win at Buffalo.
Laura Wilson and Paige Carey also posted double-digit kill totals on Saturday, finishing with 13 and 10, respectively.
CMU senior setter Kathia Sanchez tallied a season-high 54 assists on the night adding to her eight kills and a team-leading .583 hitting percentage.
"When we are going good I feel like our offense can be very balanced and effective," Gawlik said. "I think at times we got a little one dimensional, but overall I think we had two quality performances from our setters and outside hitters and setters this weekend."
Freshman libero Megan Kern led the Chippewa defense with 22 digs. Sophomore Emily Wenglikowski added 14.
Elya Karsner led Akron with 13 kills. Patience Brown and Madi Baer had 11 each.
The Chippewas will return to action on Thursday, Oct.27, when they play host to Toledo (12-10, 5-5) in a league match at McGuirk Arena at 7 p.m.
"I saw a lot of good things this weekend," Gawlik said. "I thought the team met all of the emotional criteria that I wanted to see. We have short week heading into Thursday but our team understands that our goals are still in front of us."
