Central Michigan University Athletics
Volleyball Fighting for MAC Tourney Berth at Home
10/26/2016 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Cullen Maksimowski, CMUChippewas.com
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — With six games remaining in the regular season, the Central Michigan volleyball team has reached an important juncture.
A strong finish keeps alive the Chippewas' postseason aspirations. A losing record puts them in jeopardy of missing out on the Mid-American Conference Tournament for the second consecutive season.
The Chippewas (9-13 overall) sit in a three-way tie with Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan - all three are 3-7 in league play - in eighth place in the overall MAC standings. The top eight teams advance to the league tournament.
CMU begins its final six-game regular-season stretch on Thursday when it plays Toledo (12-10, 5-5) and then takes on Ball State (9-15, 5-5) on Saturday. Both games begin at 7 p.m. and both are at McGuirk Arena.
"You can't start looking too far ahead and do too much scoreboard watching," first-year CMU coach Mike Gawlik said. "We are aware of the situation we've put ourselves in, but we need to stay focused on our controllables and make sure we stay focused on executing.
"As long as we are executing, capitalizing on our opportunities and playing well at home and on the road, I think you'll see the standings start to take care of themselves."
The Chippewas were swept by the Rockets in Toledo on Sept. 24. CMU fell to the Cardinals, 3-2, on Sept. 23 in Muncie, Ind.
"I think we need to show that we've learned and evolved in our game since (the losses)," Gawlik said. "We were able to battle and push Ball State to a fifth set the first time and then I thought we were kind of flat and didn't have ton of energy when we played Toledo.
"I think it will come down to who has improved the most since then. I know that we're a much-improved team, but they've also improved throughout the season."
CMU enters play ranking sixth in the MAC in hitting percentage (.206) and fifth in aces, averaging 1.25 per set.
Junior outside hitter Jordan Bueter, who was named MAC West offensive player of the week for her 47 kills in two matches last weekend, leads the MAC in aces (39) and ranks fourth in kills per set (3.33).
"Jordan has really stepped up for us lately and carried a heavy load with Taylor (Robertson) out," Gawlik said. "Killing 47 balls in two games is impressive and speaks to the capability she has to really carry our offense when we need her to."
Junior middle blocker Paige Carey leads the Chippewas with a .265 hitting percentage and ranks seventh in the MAC in blocking, averaging .94 per set. Senior setter Kathia Sanchez leads the team with 884 assists. Freshman libero Megan Kern has a team-high 290 digs to lead CMU defensively.
Toledo ranks third in the league in blocking (2.09) and fifth in opponent hitting percentage (.200). Saige Thomas leads the Rockets offensively averaging 2.94 kills per set.
Ball State ranks third in the MAC in digs averaging 16.18 per set. Brooklyn Goodsel leads the Cardinal attack, averaging 3.12 kills per set.
