VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW: A jump on the competition
Volleyball team ahead of the game as season opener approaches
Mid-American Conference supremacy is the end goal for Central Michigan University's volleyball team in 2014.
Head Coach Erik Olson said his team headed into this year’s campaign ahead of the game.
“We have benchmarks during the offseason and we’re blowing away those benchmarks,” Olson said. “I think we are as much as five weeks ahead of schedule compared to other teams.”
Olson said he was impressed with what he saw during Saturday's annual Maroon vs. Gold scrimmage.
“We looked pretty good,” Olson said. “I think there were some nerves out there for sure but I didn’t see any performances that dipped … just lower peaks.”
The Chippewas start the regular season Friday when they head to Nebraska for competition in the Omaha Classic.
CMU was 3-10 on the road last season.
“It’s uncontrollable,” Olson said. “(Starting on the road) is not desirable but with a younger team, it is probably a little bit better to get us toughed up.”
Six of the final eight games of the season will be on the road for the Chippewas this year.
The women start the season with four tournaments and begin MAC play Sept. 25 against Eastern Michigan University.
Senior Kaitlyn McIntyre said she believes if the Chippewas follow the offensive system Olson has put in place, CMU can compete with the MAC’s elite teams.
“We want to play our game and get back into our rhythm,” she said. “We want to run our middles and just take advantage of our awesome offense.”
CMU will host the Chippewa Invitational October 5 and 6. They will face Marshall, Green Bay and Butler.
“It’s a year-to-year thing,” said McIntyre. “We like to travel. We have fun on the road. We obviously love to play in our home gym but (playing on the road) is not that bad.”
This year’s team is full of young talent.
Six freshmen patiently wait to make their mark on a team focused on winning immediately.
One newcomer Olson mentioned to keep an eye on is outside hitter Jordan Bueter.
“Bueter is going to have one of the best serves in the conference,” he said.
