Losing streak snapped as volleyball defeats Buffalo
The women's volleyball team celebrates a point against Ohio University in McGuirk Arena on Saturday, Sept. 22.
Back in the win column for the first time since early September, the Central Michigan volleyball team took down Buffalo on the road 3-1, (25-19, 21-25, 25-18, 25-14) snapping a 12-game losing streak.
In addition, the win marks the Chippewas' first Mid-American Conference victory of the season, improving to 4-18 overall and 1-9 in the MAC.
"I think we really played a complete match," said head coach Mike Gawlik said. "I'm excited for the group, that we found success in the win and loss column that resembles the hard work they put in."
Following up last night's career high performance of 21 kills, sophomore Kalina Smith led the Chippewas with 17 kills against Buffalo (13-9, 5-5). Smith limited her attack errors to a season low of two in the winning effort.
"She was incredibly terminal, but also highly efficient" Gawlik said. "I thought Kalina was outstanding all weekend."
Freshman Maddie Whitfield followed close behind Smith with nine kills and freshman Savannah Thompson and Kendall Braate each finished with seven.
Down from an average of about 24 attack errors per match, CMU recorded a season low of 11 attack errors. CMU also posted its best hitting percentage of the season as a team against Buffalo at .339.
"We had three sets tonight where we had two or less errors," Gawlik said. "When you're playing that kind of volleyball, you're tough to beat."
With six mages remaining in the regular season, Gawlik hopes this dominant win on the road ignites a new fire in the team.
"I feel like it makes you believe in what you're doing, and that what we're doing is worth doing," Gawlik said. "Our commitment to just getting better every day culminates with a good win tonight against what has been a good program."
CMU heads back on the road in its next matchup, traveling to Ypsilanti to face Eastern Michigan next week at 7 p.m. on Thursday in the Convocation Center
