Central Michigan University
South Dakota St.
Volleyball Opens Tourney With 2 Wins
9/10/2016 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Cullen Maksimowski, CMUChippewas.com
VALPARAISO, Ind. — The Central Michigan volleyball team finished 2-0 on its first day of the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival Tournament Friday, defeating South Dakota State, 3-0 and the host Crusaders, 3-1.
"I think right off the bat we came into the day with some really good energy," said CMU coach Mike Gawlik after his team improved to 4-4, reaching the .500 mark for the first time this season. "I think in both of our matches we were real focused and played with a high-level of efficiency."
CMU came out of the gates strong in its first match, defeating the Jackrabbits in straight sets, 25-10, 25-19 and 25-17.
The Chippewas finished the match with a season-high .398 hitting percentage. South Dakota State finished at .133.
Junior outside hitter Jordan Bueter led CMU with 12 kills. Taylor Robertson and Paige Carey each tallied eight.
Bueter also added a team-high 12 digs on defense and senior Kathia Sanchez finished with 36 assists from the setter position.
In their second match against Valpo, CMU took the first set, 25-22. The Crusaders answered with a 25-20 win in set two before the Chippewas took sets three and four, 25-17 and 25-13 to claim the match.
The Chippewas finished the match with a .316 hitting percentage. Valpo finished at .166.
Both Robertson and Bueter led the offense again as Robertson had a season-high 16 kills and Bueter totaled 14. Laura Wilson and Carey added 12 and 11 kills, respectively.
Sanchez finished with a season-high 51 assists and Bueter led the team with 21 digs.
CMU returns to action on Saturday (5:30 p.m.) against Southeast Missouri (1-7) in the Chippewas' tournament finale.
