Volleyball invites trash talk in matchup with WMU
Some things just don’t go together: Oil and water, hot and cold, Central Michigan University and Western Michigan University.
Today CMU’s volleyball team takes on WMU with short-term in-state bragging rights and positioning in the West division of the Mid-American Conference on the line.
Some 135 miles apart, the rivalry between the Chippewas and the Broncos dates back to 1975. No love exists between the two schools in any varsity sport.
In volleyball, WMU leads the all-time series 49-40 and is also on a four game winning-streak against the Chippewas including a 3-1 victory in the 2012 MAC tournament.
CMU head coach Erik Olson said he is not planning any special preperation heading into this first 2014 showdown against the Broncos.
“A win against them (WMU) doesn’t really mean more to me,” said Olson. “It may to the team, but I don’t care. It’s nice that you really want to beat that rivalry team, but a win versus the last place team, or the first place team all count the same in the big picture.”
With some experience under her belt against WMU, senior outside hitter Kaitlyn McIntyre said that defeating the Broncos would be a little sweeter.
“Western is always a fun team to play,” said McIntyre. “A win is a win in the MAC, but with Western, you’re always a little more inspired, so when you beat them it’s pretty cool. “
Meanwhile, freshman setter Kylie Copple said playing in her first match against the Broncos is sure to be an exciting moment.
“I know about the rivalry,” said Copple. “I don’t like Western, but I don’t know if I share the same hate as everybody else just because I’m out of state and haven’t been around the culture as long.”
Copple said she and the Chippewas invite trash-talk in today’s match.
“We’re a bunch of smack talkers regardless,” Copple said. “If they want to smack talk, we will have no problem with it.”
Both and Olson and Copple pointed to keeping distractions out of mind as the key to winning any rivalry game.
“For us to be good no matter what is based on consistency,” Copple said. “Every team has great moments, but it’s just about how often you can stay in those great moments.”
