Thompson questionable, Maxwell back after injury-filled week
When it was discovered that senior setter Kelley Maxwell would not travel with the team last weekend due to injury, the team was in need of a replacement.
The Chippewas found their replacement in junior setter Danielle Thompson.
Spending a majority of the season on the bench, Thompson has been patiently waiting for her opportunity. She got her chance and did not disappoint.
Though NIU proved to be too much for the Chippewas, winning the match 3-1, Thompson took full advantage of the newfound playing time. She had 39 total assists for her team's effort last Saturday.
Head coach Erik Olson was pleased with his backup setter's performance for the most part, especially considering the fact that she has seen little playing time this year and did not play in the second set against NIU due to an apparent leg injury.
"I though (Thompson) ran a real good offense this weekend," Olson said.
When a team has to go without its top performer, the situation can seem dire, however, Thompson stepped up and delivered just what her coaching staff asked of her.
"I thought Dani put up really good numbers," Olson said. "She did make a few defensive errors on Friday, but for her first match, I though she did phenomenal."
CMU had a quick turnaround this week, with a 7 p.m. Thursday match at Eastern Michigan.
While Olson said Thompson’s status is “day-to-day” right now, he expects Maxwell to start in tonight’s game against the Eagles.
“We’re going to go through injuries on and off —all of us are,” Maxwell said. We just try to make as smart of decisions as possible so that toward the end of the season and throughout the regular season in the MAC, we can put ourselves in the best position possible.”
With both setters out last week, sophomore defensive specialist Haley Barker stepped up for eight assists.
Olson said Thompson might be available off the bench, but Maxwell said she is back.
“I’m ready to go for this weekend,” Maxwell said. “We’re going to do a great job as a team and plow through some adversity and we’re going to be good to go for this weekend.”
