Chippewas Look To Build On First League Win

Mitch Vosburg, CMUChippewas.com

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – After snapping a 12-game losing streak with its first Mid-American Conference victory of the season, the Central Michigan volleyball team will looks to gain momentum as it hits the road for two games in three nights beginning on Thursday.

The Chippewas, 4-18 overall, 1-9 MAC, go to Ypsilanti to take on Eastern Michigan, and then plays at Kent State in Kent, Ohio on Saturday. Thursday's game begins at 6 p.m. with Saturday's contest kicking off at 7 p.m. The Eagles are 14-10, 6-4; Kent State is 11-13, 4-6.

STAYING THE COURSE
CMU coach Mike Gawlik said the approach for him and his team this week is unchanged in the wake of its four set victory at Buffalo last Saturday.

"Morale is good, but we've had good practices despite the fact we haven't found wins all the time," Gawlik said. "Our energy and focus in the gym have been high, and I don't think that's wavered a lot.

"When teams are sad and pout when they're not winning there's a big flow of energy when you finally win. I'm happy to say that wasn't the case when we weren't winning; we just have to stay focused on what we're doing."

CHIPPEWA LEADERS
Sophomore outside hitter Kalina Smith leads the Chippewas with 241 kills. Sophomore outside hitter Lyza Myers and freshman outside hitter Savannah Thompson have poste 189 kills each. Thompson leads CMU with 19 aces and has 251 digs, trailing only junior libero Megan Kern (288) in that category.

SCOUTING
Eastern Michigan enters Thursday's match 5-2 at home. The Eagles defeated CMU in four sets on Sept. 20 at McGuirk Arena.

The Eagles are led offensively by senior outside hitter Jordan Smith and junior middle blocker/right side hitter Cassie Haut with 295 and 251 kills, respectively. Haut leads EMU with 86 blocks, while junior setter Riley Taylor leads the team with 26 aces.

Kent State took a pair of matches last weekend, the first against Northern Illinois and the second against Western Michigan. The Golden Flashes are 6-2 at home this season.

Danie Tyson and Amy Kober have combined for 365 kills to lead Kent State this season. Tyson leads the Golden Flashes with 50 blocks, while Erin Gardner leads the squad with 23 aces.

NEXT
CMU has four regular-season matches remaining. The Chippewas play their final two home matches next weekend when they entertain Ball State on Nov. 2 and then Toledo Nov. 3.

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Players Mentioned

Megan Kern

Lyza Myers

Kalina Smith

Savannah Thompson