Chippewa Volleyball Team Drops MAC Opener

Thursday, September 20

Mount Pleasant, Mich.

7:00 P.M.

Central Michigan University

3-10, 0-1MAC

Eastern Michigan

9-6, 1-0MAC

Eastern Michigan

Central Michigan

Photo by: Mary Lewandowski

9/20/2018 10:10:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score Photo Gallery

Chippewas entertain MAC favorite Ohio on Saturday night

By: Andy Glezen

Andy Glezen, CMUChippewas.com

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – In its first Mid-American Conference game of the season, the Central Michigan volleyball fell to Eastern Michigan 23-25, 25-20, 25-19, 25-21.

The Chippewas (3-10, 0-1 MAC) will play host to Ohio on Saturday in a MAC match. The Bobcats (6-8) defeated Kent State on Thursday in their league-opening match. Ohio was selected to win the MAC regular-season and tournament titles in the preseason coaches poll.

Lyza Myers led CMU with 14 kills while Kalina Smith and Savannah Thompson each posted 12. Grace Butler dished out 33 assists and Emily Wenglikowski led the team with 20 digs. Jayla Wesley also recorded a team-high 5 blocks.

"For an opening night of MAC play there was some really good volleyball on both sides," CMU coach Mike Gawlik said. "Eastern is the type of team that plays hard, plays consistent and they never stop fighting."

WHAT HAPPENED
Maddie Whitfield recorded five kills on only six attempts in the first set helping the Chippewas gain a 1-0 advantage.

CMU rallied in the next two sets, but the Eagles prevailed in both sets to take a 2-1 match advantage.

The Chippewas gained an 18-17 lead in the fourth set, but three straight points from Eastern Michigan propelled the Eagles to a match and set victory.

"I thought we hit some really good scouting report notes in that first set both offensively and defensively," Gawlik said. "From the onset of set two, we just kind of played behind and instead of playing proactive we played reactive."

YOUNG LEADERSHIP
Although both players are underclassmen, Myers and Thompson have stepped up as leaders for a young CMU team. Myers said she wants to see her team embrace the moment and not look too far ahead.

"I feel like we really need to express how important the first game is," Myers said. "Every point matters no matter what."

Despite the fact that she is just a freshman, Thompson is one of the most vocal players on the team.

"I think that when it's quiet out there things don't go well," she said. "Without talking on the court, you feel like you're by yourself and that's not a way to win a game."

BALANCE
CMU continues to be a well-rounded team with four players positing double digit-kills. In addition to Myers, Thompson and Smith, Whitfield posted 10 kills, equaling her career high.

NEXT
After Saturday's match with the Bobcats, CMU will hit the road next weekend for matches at Toledo on Friday (7 p.m.) and at Ball State on Saturday (7 p.m.).