SLIDESHOW: Volleyball defeats Ohio 3-2 Saturday, snaps six-match losing streak.
Women’s volleyball defeated Mid-American Conference leader Ohio 3-2 Saturday night to put an end to its six-game losing streak.
“It felt right, in terms of our team; we play with passion,” head coach Erik Olson said. “I think there was a much better momentum-building on our side of the net tonight.”
The night not only put an end to a losing streak, it also secured a spot in the Mid-American Conference tournament for Central Michigan.
Senior outside hitter Lindsey Dulude became the 15th player to join the 1,000-kill club after recording 15 kills Saturday. She has 1,004 career kills.
CMU came out strong the first game, leading the Bobcats from start to finish. CMU won the match 25-20, earning the match point after a four-point rally by Ohio.
“I thought our team did a great job of fighting tonight; we certainly fought and fought well,” Olson said.
The second set was point-for-point the entire way. After two controversial calls, the Chippewas prevailed in extra points, winning 26-24.
The Bobcats started off the third match with a comfortable lead until they found themselves stuck on point 19 while the Chippewas played catch-up.
CMU failed to finish the comeback as Ohio won 25-20.
The excitement continued into game four where both teams fought for the win of every point. Ohio came out on top, defeating the Chippewas 25-23.
CMU ended the match with a 15-12 win over Ohio.
“In practice, all week, we have been talking about passion,” junior defensive specialist Jenna Coates said. “Just looking in everyone’s eyes tonight, everyone knew and could tell we were going to get this win.”
The offense was led by senior outside hitter Val Deweerd with 16 kills and Dulude with 15.
“That was the most aggressive, best match I have ever seen Val play tonight,” Olson said. “You could just see it in her eyes and the way she was playing, she was feeling it."
Sophomore middle blocker Halle Enderle came into the match the last two sets and had five kills and three blocks.
“I always love the opportunity to get in and provide for my team,” Enderle said. “I just liked to hit the ball super hard. I figured, if I hit it hard enough, fast enough, they couldn’t touch it.”
Defensively, Coates held strong, recording 30 digs. Junior outside hitter Kaitlyn McIntyre and Dulude also made big plays defensively.
“My block was awesome and did a really good job,” Coates said. “We got a lot of digs and got the ball high so Kelly could step in and get some good sets.”
CMU will wrap up its regular season at McGuirk Arena Friday against Toledo and Saturday against Ball State.
At 13-12, 7-7 in the MAC, the Chippewas sit behind Western Michigan, Northern Illinois and Eastern Michigan in the West.
