Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
Ball State
Chippewas Rally For 5-Set Win
10/27/2017 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Lindsay Gerber, CMUChippewas.com
MUNCIE, Ind. - Kalina Smith had a team-high 16 kills as the Central Michigan volleyball team rallied from a two-set deficit to top Ball State in a Mid-American Conference game on Friday at the Cardinals' Worthen Arena.
It was the second-straight MAC win for CMU, which is 12-11, 4-7 league. It marks the first time this season that the Chippewas have won two straight league matches, and it came against a Cardinal team that had defeated CMU in three sets earlier this season.
"I think it's a turning point," CMU coach Mike Gawlik said. "Looking back (to the Sept. 23 match), we had set points and that was a match that got away from us. We needed to execute, but we were still a team that was learning. There was maturity tonight from everyone. Mature teams lock in to what we can do to win set three."
CMU topped Ball State 15-25, 16-25, 25-21, 25-17, 15-10. The Cardinals are 14-10, 6-5.
"We said that we had to flush whatever we were doing in sets one and two," said Gawlik. "It wasn't our best, we were high air and there were a lot of mistakes. We were going into set three as a fresh start. I think that was something that refocused us and kept us in the fight."
Young players played critical roles for Central Michigan with Smith, a freshman, recording two aces and setter Grace Butler, another freshman, adding 48 assists. Sophomore Jayla Wesley had 14 kills on a .393 attack percentage.
"It was a night where the upperclassmen didn't have the greatest match, but that's what's great about our team," Gawlik said. "Lyza (Myers) got it going and Grace led our offensive charge. Kalina had some really big swings. I love how aggressive she is. We didn't back down and our defensive effort was continuing the fight. "
Jordan Buter had 12 kills and 16 digs for the Chippewas. Megan Kern led the CMU defense with 23 digs.
Brooklyn Goodsel led Ball State with 16 kills while Jessica Lindsey logged 12 kills on a .367 attack percentage.
Ball State had a .253 hitting percentage against Central Michiga's .195.
CMU will look to keep the momentum going when it travels to Toledo (11-12, 6-5) on Saturday (5 p.m.).
"What I really liked is how we didn't give up," Gawlik said. "Things weren't going our way, but we stepped up our game."
