Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
Ball State
Volleyball Rallies, But Falls in 5 in MAC Opener
9/23/2016 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Zach Libby, CMUChippewas.com
MUNCIE, Ind. - Central Michigan rallied, but could not prevail Friday in its Mid-American Conference volleyball opener at Ball State.
CMU rallied from a two-sets deficit to forge a tie and force a fifth set. The Cardinals took the fifth, 15-11. The Chippewas are 6-7 overall; Ball State is 5-10.
CMU plays at Toledo in a MAC game on Saturday (5 p.m.). The Rockets lost to Eastern Michigan at home on Friday, 3-2.
"I'm looking to see how we bounce back," CMU coach Mike Gawlik said. "Good teams are able to come back from a disappointing loss and put it in the rearview mirror quicker than other teams. And we know that we have a really good Toledo team that we have to prepare for and come out ready to go."
Five of CMU's seven losses this season have gone to five games. Ball State won the first two sets on Friday, 28-26 and 25-21. CMU rebounded to win the third set, 25-23, and the fourth, 25-21.
"I think we've played some of our best volleyball in the last couple of matches when our backs are against the wall," Gawlik said. "It shows that we're not quitting and we're not giving up in any sense of the word."
Junior outside hitter Jordan Beuter led Central Michigan with 24 kills. Laura Wilson and Paige Carey added 12 and 10 kills, respectively.
Senior setter Kathia Sanchez led CMU with 53 assists, while freshman defensive specialist Megan Kern recorded 21 digs, while Bueter added 12 and Courtney Hiltibran had 10.
The Chippewas finished with a .239 hitting percentage. Ball State finished at .225.
Brooklyn Goodsel had 20 kills to lead Ball State.
