Central Michigan University
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Western Michigan
Chippewas Fall In 4 Sets
9/29/2017 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Lindsay Gerber, CMUChippewas.com
KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Central Michigan volleyball team dropped a four-setter to Mid-American Conference foe Western Michigan on Friday at the Broncos' University Arena.
CMU slipped to 9-6, 1-2 MAC, falling to the Broncos 25-22, 22-25, 25-16, 25-19. Western improved to 10-4, 3-0.
The Chippewas will look to bounce back in a conference matchup at Northern Illinois (1-17, 0-3) on Saturday (8 p.m.).
After winning the second set to even the match, the Chippewas dropped the third set. Western Michigan broke a 9-9 tie with five consecutive points to seize a 14-9 lead. CMU never got closer than four points the rest of the way. The Chippewas never led in the fourth set.
"We still needed to play our best after the (second set)," CMU coach Mike Gawlik said. "I thought (Western Michigan) would have their hands full. When you're playing against a good team and not operating on all cylinders, you become vulnerable to be beat."
Senior Jordan Bueter posted a team-high 16 kills on a .343 hitting percentage to lead Central Michigan. Taylor Robertson added eight kills. CMU setter Grace Butler finished with 31 assists, and Emily Wenglikowski pace the Chippewas with 10 digs.
"Jordan stepped up offensively," said Gawlik. "She had a good night and was a bright spot for us. One thing we need to do is create opportunities for her to get the ball and have options. I did think she stepped up and was a leader, but we need to give other people the chance as well."
Rachel Bontrager led Western Michigan with 17 kills and four aces, while Quiana Ware added 14 kills.
The Chippewas recorded a .210 attack percentage against the Broncos' .235.
