Sounds of volleyball echo once again in Finch Fieldhouse

100821-alumnivolleyball-07a — Sean Proctor
Sean Proctor/Assistant Photo Editor Steve and Deb Baker, of Sturgis, both CMU alum, watch the Volleyball Alumni game from the balcony seats Saturday afternoon in Finch Fieldhouse. "This is where they used to play when we went here," Deb Baker said. "This was brand new when I was a senior," Steve Baker, who attended from 1970 to 1974, said.

Echoes rang off the wall as points were scored and serves killed.

Doors and windows were opened to try and keep the building from becoming too uncomfortable. After all, the building was built in 1951 without air conditioning.

For more than 30 years, the CMU volleyball team has been accustomed to practicing and playing its games in the comfort of Rose Arena. But recent renovations to the soon-to-be CMU Events Center have forced the team to the more antiquate Finch Fieldhouse, home to the volleyball team from 1974 to 1979.

For the first time since the decision was made — the team has been practicing at Morey Courts for the past several weeks — the Chippewas had the opportunity to get familiar with their new home Saturday during an exhibition game against a team of former players dubbed the Alumnae.

“It’s a pretty cool experience to get to play here,” said senior outside hitter Lauren Krupsky. “There’s a lot of history here and it’s kind of like a throwback season. They really put it up nice for us, with all the banners and everything, so it’s kind of cool to have our own facility.”

The team and athletics department considered other venues, including Morey Courts and Mount Pleasant High School, but decided on Finch for its on-campus proximity.

While it was not the bowl shaped seating that the less-outdated Rose provided, Finch’s set up has the possibility of becoming something special, even if it is just for one season.

Bleachers line three sides of the makeshift indoor court, covering half the gym with options of sitting in chairs opposite press row or the permanent seats in the balcony above the floor.

“When we put it all together, I actually like the set up pretty well,” said CMU head coach Erik Olson. “I really thought the banners in the back of the gym really saluted our past was a nice touch. It has a lot of potential and needs to still grow.”

Former CMU players Sarah Warner (2004-07) and Alison Baker (2006) returned to play for the Alumnae, who were swept 3-0 by the current Chippewas, and said they liked the new set up.

“I think they once they get it filled with fans, it’ll be a really good atmosphere,” Baker said. “It’s nice and compact and I think it will be a good environment for them.”

CMU will try and fill the new venue with its “Fill the Finch” promotion for the season opener Sept. 25 against Mid-American Conference East favorite Ohio.