Central Michigan University Athletics
Friday, August 28
Pullman, Wash.
3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT
Central Michigan University
0-1,0-0MAC
0
vs
3
Montana
1-0,0-0Big Sky
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
| Central Mich. | 17 | 14 | 21 | 0 |
Cripe Records 14 Kills in Season Opener for Volleyball
8/28/2026 4:52:00 PM | Volleyball
Twelve different Chippewas see the court in the 2026 season opener for Central Michigan Volleyball; CMU falls 3-0 to Montana.
PULLMAN, Wash. – Central Michigan Volleyball gave a strong push at the end but fell short in its season opener against Montana as CMU fell to the Griz 17-25, 13-25 and 21-25 on the first day of the Cougar Invitational.
The Chippewas were led by Taylor Cripe with 14 kills. Cripe hit .300 on the afternoon with an ace as well. Cripe scored 15 points in her sophomore debut. Brytn Lyon, who made her debut with the Chippewas on Friday afternoon, tallied 24 assists and led the team with three total blocks. Cecilia Bustamante also made her debut in the Maroon & Gold and charted 13 digs with three assists.
How it happened
In the first set, Central Michigan trailed 6-0 before Cripe found the floor and scored the first point of the season for the Chippewas. At the first media timeout, CMU trailed 9-15, but Montana called a timeout shortly after as the Chippewas cut the deficit to three, 13-16.
The Chippewas used a 4-0 run to reach the mark highlighted by two kills from Jaliyah Cohnes, but Montana answered with a 3-0 run. Another 3-0 run from the Griz concluded the set in favor of Montana. Cripe led the Chippewas in the first set with seven of the 13 kills.
The second set started with a back and forth game, but the Chippewas fell behind 11-5. Freshman Brenna Storz broke up a 7-0 run for the Griz with a service ace. Central Michigan ultimately fell to Montana in the second set 13-25.
In the third set, the Chippewas found themselves trailing early and eventually trailed 15-6. CMU gave a push at the end with a 4-0 run to force a Montana timeout at 14-21 in favor of the Griz. The Chippewas then went on another 4-0 run to bring the set within to five at 18-23.
When Montana scored the 23rd point, the Coach Wilson called a timeout. CMU rallied to within three with match point on the line with back-to-back points. Brenna Storz charted a kill and then Teyhlor Thomas and Cheyenne Gunner combined for a block; 21-24.
Central Michigan ended up dropping the match to the Griz in three, but not without a tough fight and determination at the end to stay in the match.
Next up, CMU will take on Omaha on Saturday at 5 p.m. (ET)/2 p.m. (PT).
For the latest news and updates on CMU Volleyball, follow the team in X (@cmuvolleyball) and on Instagram (@cmuvolleyball).
The Chippewas were led by Taylor Cripe with 14 kills. Cripe hit .300 on the afternoon with an ace as well. Cripe scored 15 points in her sophomore debut. Brytn Lyon, who made her debut with the Chippewas on Friday afternoon, tallied 24 assists and led the team with three total blocks. Cecilia Bustamante also made her debut in the Maroon & Gold and charted 13 digs with three assists.
How it happened
In the first set, Central Michigan trailed 6-0 before Cripe found the floor and scored the first point of the season for the Chippewas. At the first media timeout, CMU trailed 9-15, but Montana called a timeout shortly after as the Chippewas cut the deficit to three, 13-16.
The Chippewas used a 4-0 run to reach the mark highlighted by two kills from Jaliyah Cohnes, but Montana answered with a 3-0 run. Another 3-0 run from the Griz concluded the set in favor of Montana. Cripe led the Chippewas in the first set with seven of the 13 kills.
The second set started with a back and forth game, but the Chippewas fell behind 11-5. Freshman Brenna Storz broke up a 7-0 run for the Griz with a service ace. Central Michigan ultimately fell to Montana in the second set 13-25.
In the third set, the Chippewas found themselves trailing early and eventually trailed 15-6. CMU gave a push at the end with a 4-0 run to force a Montana timeout at 14-21 in favor of the Griz. The Chippewas then went on another 4-0 run to bring the set within to five at 18-23.
When Montana scored the 23rd point, the Coach Wilson called a timeout. CMU rallied to within three with match point on the line with back-to-back points. Brenna Storz charted a kill and then Teyhlor Thomas and Cheyenne Gunner combined for a block; 21-24.
Central Michigan ended up dropping the match to the Griz in three, but not without a tough fight and determination at the end to stay in the match.
Next up, CMU will take on Omaha on Saturday at 5 p.m. (ET)/2 p.m. (PT).
For the latest news and updates on CMU Volleyball, follow the team in X (@cmuvolleyball) and on Instagram (@cmuvolleyball).
Players Mentioned
DS/L
/ Volleyball
OH
/ Volleyball
OH
/ Volleyball
OH
/ Volleyball
S
/ Volleyball
MB
/ Volleyball
MB
/ VolleyballTeam Stats
Mont
CMU
Kills
36
33
Errors
12
18
Attempts
89
92
Hitting %
.270
.163
Points
47.0
41.0
Assists
30
31
Aces
8
4
Blocks
3
4
Game Leaders
Kills
14
Aces
1
Blocks
0
Kills
5
Aces
0
Blocks
0
Kills
5
Aces
0
Blocks
0
Kills
4
Aces
2
Blocks
1
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