2008 Woodie Awards
Dig 'em!
Volleyball sweeps Western, NIU; Lonneman sets MAC record
By: Aaron Vigneault
Issue date: 11/5/07 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 1
|
Lonneman's 42 digs were the third highest in NCAA history for a three-game match. She also surpassed the Mid-American Conference record of 39, set by Ball State's Amanda McCormick on Nov. 10, 2006.
Because of Lonneman's effort, the volleyball team extended its winning streak to seven matches in a three-game sweep of Northern Illinois at Rose Arena.
"I knew (Lonneman) had to set some kind of record," said coach Erik Olson. "She was outstanding."
The Chippewas, who won 30-22, 30-21, 30-25, never trailed in the first two games and pulled out the third after trailing early. Central is 20-8 overall and 9-5 in the Mid-American Conference and also swept Western Michigan, 3-0, Friday. It trails WMU by just one game in the MAC West Division.
Even after the record-setting performance, Lonneman said the Chippewas' best days are ahead of them.
"I don't ever want to say we peaked," Lonneman said. "We can play better and will have to if were going to beat Ohio."
Besides moving within one game of Western, CMU also guaranteed itself a winning conference record for the second time since 1996.
Four-year captain Courtney Kersten played her final regular season game in Rose Arena and was honored before the game as the team's only senior.
A day after one of the best matches of her career against Western Michigan with 55 assists and 15 digs, Kersten put together another outstanding effort, recording 53 assists and 19 digs.
"It's hard for me to be sad about playing the last regular season match here," Kersten said. "We still have a playoff match here, maybe even a bye."
CMU was able to carry the momentum it gained with a sweep of rival WMU on Friday. Olson said the team played one of the finest matches since he has been at Central.
The Chippewas played a nearly flawless match, hitting .361 to the Broncos .262. Junior Kate Fissel had 20 kills and freshman Lauren Krupsky recorded 14 kills and a .565 hitting percentage.
Olson made no effort to hide how proud he was of his team.
"That was an A-plus effort," Olson said. "I couldn't have asked any more of my team."
Central will go on the road to finish the 2007 regular season. CMU travels to Eastern Michigan on Thursday and will travel to No. 16 Ohio on Saturday.
sports@cm-life.com
Be the first to comment on this story