CMU volleyball team loses both games this week; Schultz sustains injury in loss at EMU
It was an up and down weekend for the Central Michigan volleyball team this weekend.
The Chippewas had one of their best all-around matches this year against Ohio, the three-time defending Mid-American Conference champions, but the absence of senior middle blocker Kaitlyn Schultz proved too much for them to overcome.
CMU had big numbers in its kills, digs, blocks, assists and even had four serving aces.
“It could have been a different story, but we played a solid match,” said head coach Erik Olson. “It was a rock-solid high-quality match and I’m pleased with the effort.”
Freshman outside hitter Kaitlyn McIntyre led the offensive side of the net with 24 kills while fellow outside hitter junior Lindsey Dulude was the most consistent with 18 kills and a .405 hitting average.
“The team stayed aggressive the whole night and I feel we learned a lot,” Dulude said. “We just need to be consistent and get healthy again for the rest of the way.”
Sophomore setter Kelly Maxwell made the offense run. She helped with 55 assists before leaving the game with light-headed feelings and unstable.
CMU recorded 82 digs and 21 blocks. Sophomore libero Jenna Coates led the team with 27 digs.
“In game three (Coates) had some digs at the end that were absolutely amazing,” Olson said. “She is good, plays well and competes and is bringing up some of the biggest swings in the conference.”
Thursday night it was a different story.
The Chippewas started off the weekend at Eastern Michigan and dropped that match in four games.
They couldn’t find any rhythm in Ypsilanti. They came out slow, getting beat in game one 25-13 and couldn’t find an answer to the Eagles serving.
“I don’t think any team in the nation could’ve beaten them (EMU) tonight with the way they served,” Olson said. “We didn’t see the same serve in consecutive points and they played perfectly.”
Olson went for a big change in the lineup with the team struggling and saw some good things with junior outside hitter/ middle blocker Katie Schuette and freshman middle blocker Hallie Enderle.
“She (Schuette) brought a change and put the ball in the court,” Olson said. “Enderle did a nice job making blocks and had a lot of nice touches.”
Schuette was not only a force on the offensive side of the net, but she was good on the defensive side as well. She was one of the top diggers on the night with 11 in less than three full matches.
Schultz was CMU’s biggest threat offensively. She had a game-high 14 kills with a .367 hitting average.
She didn’t feel her injury during the match, but afterward did and is hoping to be back for the MAC Tournament, if not next weekend.
“It felt good to get back out there,” Schuette said. “I played how I know I can play.”
