At a glance: Chip Invite
After a disappointing outcome in the season opening tournament, Central Michigan University’s volleyball team hopes for a better showing at the Chippewa Invitational this weekend.
The Chippewas host the tournament after finishing 0-3 at the Omaha Classic last weekend.
“I thought we both learned and grew an awful lot last weekend,” coach Erik Olson said. “I am totally disappointed with 0-3. But at the same time, it probably was a necessary step. Sometimes you need a kick in the butt.”
Freshman Jordan Bueter was also not satisfied with the Chippewas’ performance in their 2014 opener, though she indicated effort was not an issue.
“We knew we had it, we just needed to execute more,” Bueter said. “As a team, we could have easily won every single one of those game.”
The women will take on Marshall University, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and Butler during the tournament.
Here is a quick look at who the Chippewas play host to this weekend:
Marshall Friday, 7 p.m.
Marshall finished 16-16 overall and 8-6 in Conference USA competition last season. The Thundering Herd was defeated in their conference’s championship game in 2013.
Led by sophomore Ally Kiekover, Marshall enters the Chip Invitational with a 1-2 record.
WGB Saturday, 12:30 p.m.
Wisconsin-Green Bay enters the invitational with an 0-3 record after its opening tournament. Butler junior Jillian Bauer led the team with 21 kills and 18 digs last weekend. The Phoenix ended last season 14-14 overall and 9-5 in the Horizon League. WGB was also bounced out of their conference tournament last season.
BU Saturday, 7:00 p.m.
Butler comes into the 2014 season after an extraordinary 24-8 campaign in 2013.
The Bulldogs were 1-2 in their opening tournament this year. Senior Belle Obert is the player to watch for the Bulldogs. She posted 45 kills and 21 digs in last weekend’s opening event.
Bueter is looking forward to the Chippewas’ matchup with the Bulldogs most of all.
“I’m excited to play (Butler) because they’re from my home state,” the South Bend, Ind. student said. “I’ll probably know a of couple girls on their team, which is something new for me.”
Protecting our house
Playing in front of their home fans for the first time this fall is something the Chippewas say they are excited for.
“There’s definitely some type of different atmosphere,” Bueter said. “We’re excited for everyone to show up.”
Olson also supported the notion that the cheers of the hometown fans can directly affect the outcome of a match or tournament.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve had a home tournament,” Olson said. “It’s a great opportunity for our fans to get warmed up for the MAC season.”
Though they are at different stages in their respective careers, senior Kaitlyn McIntyre and redshirt freshman Taylor Robertson will look to grab the attention of Chippewas volleyball fans this weekend.
“I don’t think we have seen anything near (McIntyre)’s best,” Olson said. “We’d also like to see more out of Robertson, and get her more involved in the offense and defense.”
The previous success the Chippewas competition brings in to this weekend’s event does not intimidate Olson or the women in the maroon and gold.
“This is a tough tournament, and it’s a great opportunity for us to fight,” Olson said. “We are training our kids to fight even harder. I want to get better and win as many matches as we can.”
