Three teams in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) are still searching for their first win in the MAC play this season. As the competition intensifies, these programs are focused on turning their fortunes around and securing crucial victories.
This week’s volleyball matchups are starting early, running from Tuesday, Oct. 7, to Saturday, Oct. 11.
Eastern Michigan Strong Stats Amid Road Struggles
Eastern Michigan will start the weekend against Central Michigan as one team looks to earn its first Mid-American Conference win. Eastern Michigan, with an 8-9 overall record, sits at 0-4 in the MAC so far this season. The Eagles have dropped five straight matches and have yet to record a road win, heading to Central Michigan this Tuesday.
Despite the struggles, Eastern Michigan is not performing poorly statistically. The team ranks fourth in total points scored, fifth in opponent hitting percentage, third in assists, third in kills, third in opponent blocks, fourth in blocks, and second in digs.
Looking ahead, 2025 preseason All-MAC middle blocker Hatteras Welker and Ave Siefke are expected to contribute. Both student-athletes are having strong seasons, with Welker showing improvements in kills per set from 1.46(2024) to -1.73 (2025), service aces from 12 (2024) to -22 (2025), and 21(2024) to 38 (2025) serving efficiency. Siefke is having the best year of her career with 229 kills, 3.75 kills per set, and a hitting percentage of .199.
Central Michigan Leading Attackers Aim to End MAC Slide
After Central Michigan faces Eastern Michigan, the Chippewas will take on Buffalo, first on Friday and then on Saturday. If there is a week to get their first win in the Mid-American Conference, it is now.
Central Michigan enters the weekend with a 3-13 overall record and a 0-4 MAC record. The Chippewas have struggled both at home (1-6) and on the road (2-5) and are riding a nine-game losing streak heading into the weekend.
The time is now for Central Michigan to turn its season around. The Chippewas rank second in service aces and opponent digs this season. Players Abby Olin, Grace Thomas and Brooklyn Connor are expected to lead the offense, ranking fourth, fifth and sixth in hitting percentage in the MAC this year. Look for them to bring the pressure this weekend in pursuit of their first MAC victory of the season.
Ohio University Seeks Step Forward in Tough Season
What is there to say about the Ohio Bobcats this season?
They are currently ranked last in the MAC in every category, holding a 2-14 overall record and 0-4 in conference play. They are 1-4 both at home and on the road and carry the longest losing streak in the conference, sitting at 11 straight losses.
Looking deeper, Ohio ranks in the top five in several categories, including service aces, opponent service aces, opponent blocks, opponent kills and opponent assists.
Something has to change as they head into the weekend, facing Kent State on Tuesday. Kent State holds a 7-8 overall record and is 2-2 in MAC play. The Bobcats will also take on Miami, which has a 9-7 overall record and 3-1 in the conference.
Madyson Long will look to help Ohio get its first win this season. She ranks third in service aces in the MAC with 42 aces, 21 errors and averages 0.50 aces per set. Kendall White will also play a key role in the offense, ranking in the top 10 in assists with 59 assists, 339 attempts, and averaging 5.75.
