This week in Around the MAC, we examine how teams perform at home versus on the road and how those results could impact tournament positioning, helping them win while remaining well-rounded rather than one-sided squads.
Teams above .500 at home
Under Toledo Head Coach Brian Wright, the Rockets have posted a 7-1 home record, the best in the MAC. Redshirt sophomore Sierra Pertzborn, sophomore Grace Feiberger, senior Kelsey Smith, and freshman Jessica Costlow have been key contributors this season. All four should be up for awards this year.
Toledo first sees itself going against BGSU, then starts Thursday on the court with two games against Western Michigan.
Western Michigan, a powerhouse in recent years, owns a 6-4 home record. Their success is driven by strong defense led by star Elana Erickson and Head Coach Colleen Munson, the longest-tenured coach in the MAC and considered the best in program history. After a rough start, the defending champions have found their footing.
Redshirt freshman Leah Richmond will support Erickson as the Broncos face Northern Illinois first this week before traveling to Toledo for two games.
Northern Illinois started strong, establishing itself as a top MAC team despite questions about stability. The Huskies are 6-2 at home but struggle on the road with a 1-7 record. This stark contrast could prompt changes if they want to challenge teams like Ball State, Toledo, Western Michigan and Bowling Green.
After facing Western Michigan on Tuesday, Northern Illinois hosts Buffalo at home. A win on Tuesday could boost their confidence.
Other teams with winning home records include Eastern Michigan six, Ball State, Bowling Green, Ohio and Akron five. Miami and Buffalo have four, Central Michigan has three and Kent State has two.
Teams below .500 on the road
Bowling Green’s first-year Head Coach, Alex DelPiombo, has seen the Falcons struggle away from the Stroh Center. Bowling Green sports a strong 5-2 home record but is 3-6 on the road. This could affect them down the line as they take on Miami of Ohio twice this week. Miami, with a 4-6 home record, could prove a more formidable opponent than many expect.
Miami has a tough matchup to start the week as they travel to Ball State looking to secure a victory before facing BGSU, but they have an even 4-4 road record. Watch for the season’s MAC leader in blocks, Gentry Warrick, to try to overcome this week’s matchups, as this could be a rough week for them.
Ohio is visiting Kent State on Tuesday before heading to Central Michigan. The Bobcats need to improve their 3-5 road record to remain competitive in the conference. Freshman standout Bailey Blair is expected to help as Ohio works to overcome its overall 8-15 record and 6-5 mark in conference play.
Central Michigan seems to have its own freshman standout, Taylor Cripe, who is making an impact and ranking among her team’s leaders in kills this season. The Chippewas see themselves with a record of 4-7 on the road as they take on their Michigan rivals, Eastern Michigan, on Tuesday.
Eastern Michigan is just seeking its first road win of the season, as it currently stands at 0-8 and has two upcoming trips to Akron this weekend. Expect Ave Siefke, Ashlynn Belcher, and Hatteras Welker to work hard to secure their first away victory of the year. These three standout athletes have been the highlights of a tough season.
Road records this season look like this: Ball State and Toledo lead with six wins, followed by Akron at five, Western Michigan, Central Michigan, Miami and Kent State at four, Bowling Green, Ohio, Buffalo at three, NIU at one and EMU at zero.
