Rapid Reaction: Kent State 3, Central Michigan 1
Central Michigan sophomore Jessica Meichtry spikes the ball to Kent State in McGuirk Arena on Oct. 3, 2015.
On Homecoming night, CMU’s volleyball team couldn't protect home court, as it dropped to 1-3 in the Mid-American Conference with a 3-1 loss to Kent State at McGuirk Arena.
The Chippewas were unable to avenge its 3-2 loss to the Golden Flashes last season, losing the final three sets of the match. In the critical third set, CMU is 0-for-4 so far in conference play.
How it happened:
CMU seemed poised to force a fifth and final set after leading 9-8 in the fourth set, but service errors allowed Kent State to regain the lead 11-9, which was all it took for the Golden Flashes to close the door on the Chippewas, cruising to a 25-21 set win and match victory.
Due to poor passing, CMU's junior setter Kathia Sanchez was pulled in favor for freshman Marissa Grant late in the fourth set. However, it was too late as Kent State was well on its way to the victory.
After CMU stormed back to take the first set 25-22, the Golden Flashes did the same in set two capturing a 25-20 win, setting up the crucial third set.
The Golden Flashes used the momentum it gained from set two to jump out to a 16-11 advantage. Kent State wouldn’t let up, rolling to a 25-22 win.
What it means:
CMU has lost three of its last four matches, and continues to struggle to find an identity. The Chippewas haven’t been able to consistently put teams away when leading early in a match, which is not good for a young team searching for confidence.
What’s next:
The Chippewas continue their homestand next weekend against Ball State and Toledo. CMU was swept last season by the Cardinals, but defeated the Rockets in both matches in 2014.
In order to stay in contention in the MAC West, the Chippewas will look to pull out both matches.
The match against Ball State is Friday, with the match against Toledo on Saturday. Both games start at 7 p.m.
