CMU volleyball drops last two games of invitational
Central Michigan University sophomore setter Brytyn Lyon sets the ball to freshman middle blocker Brenna Storz at the volleyball game at McGuirk Arena on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. Lyon had a total of one kill and 19 assists against Michigan State University. (CM Life | Jasmine Brookins)
The Central Michigan volleyball team is now 0-7 after an unsuccessful weekend at McGuirk Arena.
Match One
CMU got a second chance to face Illinois State on Saturday after a loss to them the night prior. However, the Redbirds remained strong and swept Central Michigan once again.
Central Michigan head coach Arielle Wilson gave Illinois State a different look in the rematch, most notably bringing in sophomore setter and right-side hitter Karla Sanchez-George. Sanchez-George’s presence personally paid off, leading the team with a career-high eight kills.
Sophomore outside hitter Taylor Cripe followed with seven kills, and freshman middle blocker Brenna Storz added five.
Cripe was also essential to the Chippewas' defense with 16 digs.
However, Illinois State took all three sets just like it did Friday, beating CMU 3-0.
CMU struggled most in the second set, falling behind by as much as 13 points and losing by 10.
The Chippewas had no time to dwell on this loss, though, as undefeated Michigan State was on deck.
Match Two
CMU concluded the Heart of the Mitt Invitational with a 0-3 loss to the Michigan State Spartans.
The Chippewas never reached 20 points in a set, losing by as much as 15 in the second set.
Despite playing a hard-fought match just hours earlier, CMU came out on its toes. Set one was back and forth until the Chippewas’ offense cooled down.
Then, the Spartans took control.
Michigan State’s efficient offense proved to be too difficult for the Chippewas to handle, and the Spartans ended the day with a .437 hitting percentage.
Sophomore middle blocker Lilly Mullholland made some noise for CMU, recording a career-high of eight kills.
Cripe added seven kills and led the team defensively once again with 10 digs.
Sophomore setter Brytn Lyon recorded 19 assists in the match.
The Chippewas head to Chicago, Illinois next week to compete in the DePaul/UIC Invitational. The first game will be against DePaul at 7 p.m., followed by matchups with Auburn and UIC on Saturday.
