NIU volleyball (3-15, 1-7 MAC) lost to the Central Michigan University Chippewas (16-5, 7-2 MAC) in three sets Friday. It is the sixth time the Huskies have been swept this season.
The first set was a close one that saw the Huskies fall 25-21. Central Michigan was productive from the line in the first set, notching 3 service aces to NIU’s 1. The Chippewas also outhit the Huskies in this frame, slamming 16 kills with an efficiency of .560 as opposed to NIU’s marks of 15 and .355.
The second set was also close as NIU fell 25-20. In this frame, NIU’s efficiency dropped to a rate of .143 and they also posted 7 attack errors. In contrast, Central Michigan hit at a rate of .364 and had 2 attack errors. The Chippewas were also stout defensively as their front line posted 4 total blocks in the second set.
The third set was the most one sided of the game as the Chippewas closed it out 25-17. NIU continued to struggle on offense in this frame posting 10 kills to 8 errors with a rate of .074 while they also fell victim to another 3 total blocks.
Talking about the team’s struggles against the block, NIU volleyball head coach Sondra D’Amore prioritized pushing the team in practice and finding ways around good blocks.
“Central is the most physical team we’ve seen,” D’Amore said. “We have to find ways to push our offense better in practice and find ways to move the ball around against a good blocking team.”
STANDOUT HUSKIES
Senior libero Crew Hoffmeier led the Huskies with 9 digs. Hoffmeier currently leads the MAC in digs with 364 coming into this game. Crew also posted 1 kill and contributed at the line with 1 ace. The kill is her first since September 5th against Valparaiso University and the fourth of her collegiate Career.
Freshman setter Ella Strausberger led NIU with 28 assists. She also contributed to the attack with 1 kill and chipped in on defense with 3 digs. Strausberger currently leads the Huskies and is tenth in the MAC in assists with 445.
Senior middle blocker Charli Atiemo was a standout against the Chippewas. She led the Huskies with 10 kills at a rate of .412. Heading into this game, Atiemo is second on the team in kills with 197 at an overall hit rate of .317,good for 7th in the MAC.
STANDOUT CHIPPEWAS
Redshirt junior middle blocker Abby Olin led the front line for the Chippewas, posting a game leading 4 block assists. Olin also contributed to Central Michigan’s offense with 7 kills on a .700 hit rate. Olin is currently tied for fifth in the MAC in hitting percentage with a .341 rate on the season.
Junior setter Allie Korba also shined, leading Central Michigan with 36 assists. Korba is currently fifth in the MAC in assists with 669 prior to this game. She also played a part defensively, posting 3 digs and 1 block assist.
Junior outside hitter Natalia Rejment was another standout for the Chippewas. She led the team with 11 kills on a hit rate of .348 and also led in digs with 7.
UP NEXT
NIU volleyball continues their season at 5 pm Tuesday in Kalamazoo, Michigan, against Western Michigan University. Streaming will be available on ESPN+ and live stats will be available on SIDEARM Sports.
