Volleyball remains perfect in final set in win over Ball State
Chippewas are 5-0 in the fith set
CMU Chippewas celebrate a point at the CMU volleyball game against Akron on Oct. 21 in McGuirk Arena.
After being tied 15-15 in the third set and on the verge of a being swept, Central Michigan volleyball dug deep and found a way to take Ball State the distance and win in five sets.
The Chippewas (12-11, 4-7 MAC) are undefeated in the fifth set this season going 5-0 in the final frame.
"When you win in the fifth set you have confidence in the fifth set," said head coach Mike Gawlik. "Set five is a mentality, you have to come out ready to play and erase everything that happened in sets 1-4."
CMU found a balanced attack late with Jayla Wesley, Jordan Bueter and Kalina Smith all registering double digit kills.
"We know when were playing any team in the MAC we have to bring a lot to the table," Gawlik said. "Kalina Smith stepped up and Lyza Myers came off the bench and had a real good impact."
Central Michigan also excelled defensively with Bueter, Megan Kern, Courtney Hiltibran and Grace Butler all having double digit digs.
The Chippewas struggled offensively through the first two sets only registering a .060 hitting percentage.
The Cardinals (14-10, 6-5 MAC) jumped out to a quick 15-5 lead in the first set and eventually cruised to a 25-15 win.
CMU rallied in the second set to cut BSU's lead to 20-15, but Ball State pulled away late to take the set 25-16.
"We just had to move on and focus on set three," Gawlik said. "I thought we really came out and established that set three was a new set and a fresh start for us."
Central Michigan turned the tide battling to a 15-15 tie in the third set before scoring six of the next seven points. Central Michigan would win the set 25-21.
The Chippewas had five players with multiple kills in the third set.
CMU controlled much of the fourth set with Smith scoring four straight points late to win the set 25-17.
Central Michigan carried over their momentum to the fifth set winning 15-10.
The Chippewas will complete their road trip Saturday facing Toledo at 5 p.m.
