Broncos late surge dooms CMU volleyball
Sophomore defensive specialist Megan Kern waits for the serve from the opponent at the CMU volleyball game against Toledo on Sept. 21 at McGuirk Arena.
Western Michigan commanded play late in the match to take the first of two rivalry games against Central Michigan volleyball this season.
The Chippewas (9-6, 1-2 MAC) fell on the road in four sets to Western (10-4, 3-0 MAC).
"Anytime you have the opportunity to play your rival and play on the road, it's always a fun, energetic environment," head coach Mike Gawlik said. "We jumped out to an early lead in set one and didn't quite have the final kick we wanted."
After a back and forth first set, the Broncos escaped with a 25-22 victory.
"We gave away set one, but I liked our response in set two," Gawlik said. "The difference in the match was their ability to win the serve and pass game."
The Chippewas bounced back, capturing a 25-22 win before the Broncos dominated the third set 25-16.
WMU finished off CMU in set four, 25-19.
Senior outside hitter Jordan Bueter led the Chippewas with 16 kills and contributed nine digs. Freshman setter Grace Butler had a team-high 31 assists.
"Whether we would have won tonight or didn't, there's always that emotional regrouping you need to have," Gawlik said. "Tonight's result doesn't impact tomorrow's result one way or the other."
CMU heads to Northern Illinois to close its weekend road trip. The Chippewas take on NIU at 8 p.m. on Saturday.
