Chippewas fall in five sets to Kent State
Central Michigan University freshman outside hitter Cheyenne Gunner and freshman middle blocker Brenna Storz go up to block a Kent State players tip during the volleyball game at McGuirk Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026. Gunner had a total of six kills with Storz having 13 against the Flashes. (CM-Life | Jasmine Brookins)
Central Michigan volleyball’s first win was directly in front of it after winning two sets, but the victory was instead snatched by the Golden Flashes.
The Chippewas lost in five sets to Kent State on Wednesday. CMU is now 0-20 overall and 0-7 in the Mid-American Conference.
Kent State took the first, fourth and fifth sets.
“I like the fight, I like the energy, I like that some people stepped up,” head coach Arielle Wilson said.
Sophomore outside hitter Taylor Cripe, sophomore middle blocker Lilly Mullholand and freshman middle blocker Brenna Storz each recorded double-digit kills. Cripe led with 19 kills, followed by Mullholand with 15 and Storz with 13.
“I thought Lilly had a phenomenal game,” Wilson said. “That was nice to see her come alive and to not just depend on one person.”
Sophomore libero Rainey Weidman led on the defensive side with 28 digs, while Cripe added 15.
Freshman setter Audrey Hackney tallied 30 assists with sophomore setter Brytn Lyon following closely behind with 23.
After falling to Kent State in the first set, the Chippewas took the reins in the second.
They started this set off with an 11-4 lead over the Golden Flashes, then were the first to 15.
A Storz kill gave CMU the set win, 25-19, and McGuirk Arena erupted.
The last time Central Michigan won a set was nearly a month ago against Jacksonville. The team also had never won two sets prior to this game.
CMU picked up a tight 26-24 win in the third set, then suffered two losses to end the match.
“We have way too many errors,” Wilson said. “We pretty much beat ourselves.”
The Chippewas will have a chance to redeem themselves Thursday as they take on Kent State again at 4 p.m. in McGuirk Arena.
“I would love to see them come out with more confidence and a little bit more fight,” Wilson said.
