Western Michigan University’s Terin Norris (7) sets up teammate Jessica Brown (not pictured). Katrina Reed/Western Herald
Lex Ramsey
Sports Reporter
Western Michigan women’s volleyball remains a top of the MAC West standings after sweeps on consecutive nights of rivals Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan.
Friday night, the Broncos used an astounding second set comeback to propel them to the sweep of the Chippewas (25-17, 26-24, 25-15).
The Broncos found themselves in a back and forth game early on in the second set, only for the Chippewas to seize control leading 23-19 at one point. From that point on the Broncos were in full control, fueled by a strong defensive performance, WMU rallied to win the set 26-24.
“It was the turning point,” said WMU coach Colleen Munson. “Our girls were able to use that energy to drive us to victory in the third set.”
A third set that WMU won easily to take the match. The Broncos got off to a fast start leading 13-5 at one point, then going on to finish off the Chippawas 25-15.
The Broncos won the battle at the net with 12 team blocks, along with edging the Chippewas 53-39 in digs.
They were back at it Saturday night, Sweeping Eastern Michigan (25-19, 25-13, 25-23).
The Eagles’ resilience wasn’t enough to fend off the Broncos assault. WMU’s offense was on fire, led by Senior Jessica Brown who had 15 kills and hit .481. For the weekend, Brown recorded 27 kills, hitting an impressive .479 percentage.
WMU also benefited from another solid defensive performance, holding EMU to a .102 hitting percentage, and tallying seven team blocks with 68 digs.
With these wins, the Broncos improve to 16-9 overall, 9-3 in the Mid-American Conference. They also clinch a bid into the Mid-American Conference postseason tournament. Central Michigan drops to 12-10, 6-5 in MAC play. While Eastern Michigan drops to 14-13, 4-7 in MAC division play.
Western Michigan hits the road next weekend to face off against Ball State on Friday, starting at 7 p.m., and Toledo on Saturday, starting at 5 p.m.
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