Big Test Awaits CMU Volleyball Team

Andy Glezen, CMUChippewas.com

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – The Central Michigan volleyball team will travel to Nebraska, one of the most electric atmospheres in all of college volleyball, this weekend to close out its nonconference schedule at the Husker Invite at Bob Devaney Sports Center.

The Chippewas face the defending-national champion Cornhuskers on Friday at 1 p.m. and then are slated to take on Missouri State at 6 p.m. CMU is scheduled to play New Mexico on Saturday (12:30 p.m.).

ONCE IN A LIFETIME
In 2016, Nebraska broke the NCAA attendance record with an average of 8,210 for its home matches. The Huskers have sold out every home match since 2001.

CMU coach Mike Gawlik is excited to take his team to Lincoln.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for some of our kids to play in front of a terrific fanbase and a program that's among the country's elite," Gawlik said. "To go test your abilities against some of the people that are playing it at the highest level is a great opportunity for us to grow and showcase our talents in front of a lot of people."

COMING OFF A WIN
The Chippewas went 1-2 last weekend in the Sycamore Invitational, defeating host Indiana State in its own building to close the tournament. CMU is looking to carry the momentum from its hard-fought, five-set victory into the Husker Invite.

"Any time you can get a win in a matchup where its back and forth it boosts your energy going into a big weekend for us," Gawlik said. "Because it was a back-and-forth match and to come up on the successful end of it gives us confidence going into the week."

BUTLER IS BACK
Although she might not be a "full go," according to Gawlik, setter Grace Butler will be in the the Chippewa lineup for the first time this season.

As a freshman last season, Butler led the Chippewas with 1,106 assists, an average of 10.6 assists per set.

"She is working her way back, I know she wants to play," Gawlik said. "She provides a different option for us and come Friday and Saturday we'll see where we are at with our lineup."

SCOUTING
Nebraska is the No. 4 team in country and is 6-1 on the season. The Huskers lost to No. 7 Florida to open its season and has since won six straight with notable wins over No. 18 Oregon and No. 14 Creighton.

Missouri State is 5-5 and coming off a win over the Aggies at the Texas A&M Invitational. Amelia Flynn will be the player to stop as she leads the Bears with 107 kills through 10 matches.

New Mexico is 5-4 after going 2-1 last weekend at the North Florida Tournament. Lauren Twitty leads the Lobos with 127 kills on the season.

NEXT
The Chippewas start Mid-American Conference play on Thursday, Sept. 20 (7 p.m.) at home against Eastern Michigan.

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Players Mentioned

Grace Butler