Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
Southern Illinois
Chippewas Drop Volleyball Opener
8/26/2016 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Cullen Maksimowski, CMUChippewas.com
INDIANAOPOLIS - The Central Michigan volleyball team kicked off a new season and a new era Friday, falling to Southern Illinois, 3-0, in the opening round of the IUPUI Hampton Inn Invitational.
It was Mike Gawlik's inaugural game as the Chippewas' coach. Gawlik served as an assistant at Michigan State over the past 11 seasons.
The Chippewas came out of the gates sluggish both offensively defensively, dropping the match in straight sets 25-21, 25-18 and 25-17.
CMU finished the contest with an .087 hitting percentage. SIU finished at .299.
Junior outside hitter Taylor Robertson tallied seven kills to lead CMU, while junior middle blocker Paige Carey added six.
Senior Kathia Sanchez totaled 14 assists from the setter position and sophomore Kelli Combs added 13.
Jordan Bueter led the Chippewas defensively with 16 digs to go along with her five kills.
Meg Viqquers and Nellie Fredrickson finished with 10 kills respectively to lead Southern Illinois.
The Chippewas return to action on Saturday with a 12:30 p.m. matchup with the host Jaguars followed by a 4:30 p.m. match with Duquesne to close out the tournament.
