The Eastern Michigan Volleyball team fell to Miami University at the Convocation Center on Saturday in a 3-1 match.
Miami came into town undefeated against Mid-American Conference opponents and a 15-4 record altogether. With Eastern Michigan looking to halt a four game losing skid at home before heading back on the road.
Miami lead the majority of the match but the Eagles battled to the finish. While down five late, Eastern Michigan strung together three quick points to bring the match to a 21-23 lead in the first set. Following the timeout forced by Eastern’s late surge, the RedHawks regained their composure and win the set 25-21.
The RedHawks continued their dominant offensive performance in the second set, coming out of the break going up 10-5. The Eagles however showed their resilience by scoring five of the next six to make the score 10-11. Unfortunately for Eastern Michigan that would be the closest they would get this set. Miami went on to close out the set 25-18, sending the Eagles into the half down two sets to nothing.
In the third set the Eagles managed to claim the lead for the first time in the match by taking an early 6-5 lead. Miami refused to give Eastern any wiggle room, holding the Eagle’s lead to two until taking a timeout down 13-15. Following the timeout, the Eagles extended the lead to five before forcing the RedHawks into another defensive timeout. The Eagles continued to tear through the set and take a convincing 25-17 victory.
Eastern Michigan continued to hold the lead by striking first in the fourth set. They were able to manage to string together a run that took them to a 10-6 lead until Miami decided to take a timeout following a dispute on the call with the head referee. The controversy continued as coach Kimi Olson disagreed with the ruling of a double hit on the play. The first lead change of the match wouldn't come until the RedHawks took the lead 20-19 late in the match. Unfortunately for the Eagles, the RedHawks finished the set 25-21, extending the losing streak to five games in a row.
Despite being defeated, coach Olson said the offense was the big takeaway from this match. The Eagles offensive attack hit with a .301 clip and Coach Olson also mentioned that she was pleased to see a strong joint effort from her setters.
Eastern Michigan now turns its attention towards a matchup with the Akron Zips at 7 pm on Friday, October 21st, as they travel down to Akron, Ohio.
