The losing streak may finally be over, but the women's volleyball team is still in the midst of their Mid-American Conference schedule. Buffalo (9-14, 1-8 MAC), now with their 49-match losing streak behind them, came out flat on Sunday afternoon against the Central Michigan Chippewas (8-12, 4-3 MAC) falling in four less than pretty games.
"We just didn't play a complete game," said UB Head Coach Sally Kus. "Our focus went in and out and Central (Michigan) came in overconfident and I guess you can be overconfident if you win."
Central came out of the gates strong in game one and took an early lead at 10-5. Buffalo was unable get any momentum going whatsoever. The Bulls played well on rare spurts but were repeatedly unable to back up a solid point with consistent play. Central Michigan cruised to a 30-16 game one triumph.
Game two didn't start out much better for UB, as game one's tempo seemed to snowball into game two early. The Chippewas' opened up a 15-10 lead and things were not looking up for Buffalo. However, down 16-11, the Bulls started playing good team defense and cut the lead to 16-12 with an Alexis Bouie kill to the open court. It was the turning point of the game as the Bulls seized the momentum from Central Michigan and stole game two 30-23. The comeback was highlighted by an 18-7 run to close out the game.
There were many lead changes early in the third game, and it appeared to be up for grabs up until the score was knotted at 17-17. Two points later CMU took the lead (19-17) and the Bulls appeared to look lost on the court. They eventually fell 30-22.
"Volleyball is a game of communication," said junior Emily Dills who was one of the few bright spots for Buffalo, finishing with 12 kills, seven digs and two blocks. "At times when our communication breaks down is when we don't execute as well."
Buffalo remained tough early in game four, holding a three-point lead at 4-1 and 5-3, but once Central Michigan picked up their game it was clear UB was in trouble. The Chippewas took the lead at 7-6 and never looked back. Buffalo appeared lackadaisical at times and confused on other instances, falling 30-22 in the game and three games to one for the match.
"We didn't have a good warm-up," added Kus. "We're certainly capable of playing a complete game but I think it's kind of a mental breakdown when we don't."
Buffalo will take all the confidence and valuable lessons gained through a very emotional weekend that saw them end their three-and-a half season losing conference streak and try to apply it in a positive way in their remaining MAC matches.
"We now have a (MAC) win behind us and got that confidence," added Dills. "We know that feeling and that's what we're going to look for, that level of intensity and momentum. We can be successful."
UB's Lindsay Matikosh had another strong performance in recording 10 kills and a team high 16 digs. Kathryn Henry also contributed with 13 digs.
The Bulls are on the road next weekend where they will take on Western Michigan Friday night and Eastern Michigan Saturday night.
