CMU swept against Northern Illinois
The Central Michigan volleyball team couldn’t keep momentum in its favor as it was swept in three games Saturday night.
The Chippewas (7-5) dropped their first Mid-American Conference match against No. 29 Northern Illinois (12-3).
CMU lost in three straight games, 25-19, 27-25 and 25-23. There were times in each game where it seemed things were going its way, but the Huskies were always able to turn the game back in their favor.
“The team competed really well tonight,” head coach Erik Olson said. “We had tight games and didn’t get the points at the right time.”
Sophomore outside hitter Lauren Wicinski and senior middle blocker/outside hitter Allison McGlaughlin lead NIU with 21 and 15 kills apiece against the Chippewas.
Sophomore middle blocker Danielle Gotham lead the team with 11 kills.
“Gotham hit awesome tonight,” Olson said. “She settled in real nice on the right side tonight.”
Sophomore setter Kelly Maxwell led the team in assists with 35, while fellow sophomore Jenna Coates had 15 digs.
“Coates was very good tonight against those two outsides,” Olson said. “They are very powerful and hard to dig and she did a good job.”
The Chippewas play at 7 p.m. on Saturday against Western Michigan (11-3). The Broncos beat Eastern Michigan (12-3) in four games Friday night.
“It’s good playing against an opponent like that (NIU), it makes us better,” Gotham said. “Our defense was a little shaky, but we improved from the first game to the third game.”
