East Michigan News

The Eastern Michigan University volleyball team achieved a hard-fought victory against Ohio in a five-set match at the George Gervin GameAbove Center on Saturday, October 26. This win improved their overall record to 13-12 and their Mid-American Conference (MAC) record to 7-4.

The match was significant as it marked Eastern's tenth five-set match of the season, equaling the record set by the 1984 team for most five-set matches in a single season. It also represented their seventh five-set victory since the rally scoring era began in 2008.

Kaili Doctor led the Eagles with 18 kills and a hitting percentage of .405. Defensively, Hannah Blaney contributed 14 digs, while Ava Siefke and Maddie Stayer each added 12 digs.

In the first set, Eastern Michigan narrowly defeated Ohio with a score of 29-27. The second set saw Ohio leveling the match by winning 25-21. The Bobcats then took a lead by securing the third set with a score of 25-20. However, Eastern Michigan bounced back in the fourth set with a decisive 25-23 win to force a fifth set. The Eagles clinched victory in the final set with a score of 17-15.

The team's performance was notable for several reasons: "Eastern out-aced its opponent for the seventh time this season," which has resulted in them being "6-1 when doing so." Additionally, they have been successful in games where they recorded more digs than their opponents, achieving "10-5 when out-digging" them.

Maddie Stayer's performance included her fifth double-double of the season, leading her team with "28 assists" alongside her defensive contributions. Kaili Doctor continued her strong form by reaching double figures in kills for "12 of her 16 matches this season."

Taylor Smith also played an essential role by delivering "13 dimes," marking her twelfth game this year with over ten assists. Meanwhile, Siefke and Blaney both reached double-digit digs during this crucial encounter.

Historically, this victory brought Eastern's all-time record against Ohio to "20-40" and marked Head Coach Kevin Foeman's first win over Ohio during his tenure at EMU.

Looking ahead, Eastern Michigan will face Ball State on Friday, November 1st at home.