Central Michigan University
Eastern Michigan
Chippewas Rally for 5-Set Win Over Eastern
10/6/2016 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Cullen Maksimowski, CMUChippewas.com
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — The Central Michigan volleyball team found itself on the winning end of a roller coaster match Thursday evening, edging Eastern Michigan in the fifth set to claim its second straight Mid-American Conference victory at McGuirk Arena.
After taking the opening set, 25-22, the Chippewas fell in sets two and three, 25-15 and 25-22, before rallying to take sets four and five, 25-17 and 15-8.
CMU, which won a five-setter on Sunday at home over Western Michigan, improves to 8-9 overall and 2-3 in the MAC with the win. EMU slips to 7-11, 2-3.
"Well it was an exciting, up and down, roller coaster of a match for us tonight," CMU coach Mike Gawlik said. "I thought at times we played incredibly well. I thought that sets four and five really highlighted what we're capable of when we come together as a group."
The Chippewas hit .438 and .417 in sets four and five, respectively, after posting a .056, -.125 and .257 hitting percentage in the first three sets. CMU finished the match hitting at a .177 clip. EMU finished at .191.
After a slow start in sets one in two, junior outside hitter Jordan Bueter found her rhythm, totaling 16 kills with a .233 hitting percentage to lead the Chippewas.
"I really felt like Jordan really stepped up as a leader for us tonight both on the court and with her presence," Gawlik said. "She put us on her back there for awhile and kind of willed our effort as a whole just to be better."
Bueter was one of three Chippewas to total double-digit kills on the night. Junior Taylor Robertson and sophomore Laura Wilson each tallied 13.
"They're great, I just love playing next to (Robertson and Wilson)," said Bueter. "The energy they bring is amazing. I think we had a bump-kill in set four, and Taylor jumped higher than my body to get it and Laura gets this fire in her eyes when she gets going and you're just like 'set her.'"
Senior Kathia Sanchez led CMU with 42 assists from the setter position and freshman libero Megan Kern led the way defensively with 18 digs.
Jordan Smith led Eastern Michigan (7-11, 2-3) with 13 kills and Devon Murray finished with 10.
The Chippewas had dropped their first two five-set matches this season before Sunday's win over Western.
"I think we are getting in a groove now," Bueter said. "I don't necessarily like five-set games. It's not our plan, but I think it's a step. We have many more steps to take, but as a whole we are definitely moving in the right direction."
The Chippewas will hit the road next, going to Kent State (9-9, 2-3) on Saturday (6 p.m.) in a conference tilt.
