Volleyball looks to execute using depth, home court after tough weekend
Angie White spikes the ball to Kent State in McGuirk Arena on Oct. 3, 2015. The Chippewas lost to Kent State 3-1.
The Central Michigan volleyball team has been down most of this season, but a stay at home and new-found depth could bring it back up.
The Chippewas are looking to progress forward after suffering losses at Eastern Michigan on Thursday and to Kent State at home Saturday. Both were 3-1 contests and contribute to CMU’s 6-11 record (1-3, Mid-American Conference).
Head Coach Erik Olson was not pleased in either match and said Kent State took it to his team.
“Our sideout percentage (54 percent) was a little low tonight, but what we needed to do a little bit better was serving and blocking,” Olson said. “We kind of just let (Kent State) go by us.”
The Golden Flashes out-blocked CMU 7-6. Olson said his team could have done more in that regard.
“We are way more capable than that,” Olson said.
Saturday’s contest was the first time sophomore Paige Carey and seniors Kalle Mulford and Angie White have played in the same match as middle blockers since a loss to Evansville on Sept. 18.
White and Carey got the start on Saturday, recording 10 and three kills, respectively. Mulford came off the bench to record two kills. The depth at the position is a move in the right direction for CMU, according to Olson.
“Our middles had a very good week collectively,” Olson said. “I thought (Mulford) did a great job off the bench.”
While Carey made little impact offensively, Olson likes what he has seen from the middle blocker, who has earned herself playing time.
“(Carey) has done a good job blocking and that is why (she) is out there right now,” Olson said. “I really like the touches she’s making.”
While middle blocking improved, sophomore outside hitter Jordan Bueter said the Chippewas lacked production from the setting area.
“As a team, I think we try to figure things out collectively, troubleshoot things,” Bueter said. “I think that’s the best we can do.”
Junior setter Kathia Sanchez dished 34 assists but was replaced in set four Saturday in favor of freshman Marissa Grant, who tallied five assists. Olson said he contemplated the change throughout the end of the match.
Sanchez is averaging 8.87 assists per set through 60 sets, while Grant is averaging 4.42 assists per set in 24 sets.
CMU will also have the luxury of not having to travel next weekend. The Chippewas are 2-2 at McGuirk Arena this season, including winning the Chippewa Challenge.
Sophomore outside hitter Taylor Robertson said she enjoys playing in front of the home crowd.
“I thought we had a really good crowd. I thought the atmosphere from our crowd was great,” Robertson said.
CMU will face Ball State, the best team in the MAC West, on Friday at McGuirk Arena. The Chippewas will also host Toledo, the worst team in the MAC West, on Saturday.
Right now, Olson is less concerned about other teams, and said his own team needs to be more consistent and must execute.
“Not every night is going to be perfect,” he said. “Every night is a puzzle to crack. It’s a matter of just staying together through those tough moments and persevere. That’s what this group has got to figure out. We’ve got to stay clean. That’s the key.”
