Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Michigan University
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Western Michigan
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Volleyball Falls to Western Michigan in Season Opener
2/4/2021 7:25:00 PM | Volleyball
Franki Strefling led the Eagles with nine kills and 10 digs
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- In its first action of the shortened 2020-21 spring season, the Eastern Michigan University volleyball team fell to Mid-American Conference West Division foe and in-state rival Western Michigan in three sets, 25-12, 25-21, 25-9, Thursday, Feb. 4 inside the Convocation Center.
Senior Franki Strefling (Niles, Mich.-Buchanan) paced the Green and White with nine kills and 10 digs, while sophomore Jayden Otto (Crystal Lake, Ill.-Prairie Ridge) also collected 10 digs and dished out 20 assists. Helping out Strefling on offense were sophomore Samantha Basham (Granville, Ohio-Newark Catholic) and senior April Houston (Minnaepolis, Minn.-Southwest), who notched six and five kills, respectively.
Defensively, the Eagles were aided by sophomore Kamryn Stilwell (Parma, Ohio-Padua Franciscan), who recorded eight digs. Freshman Bella Hommes (Grand Rapids, Mich.-Forest Hills Northern) played in her first career collegiate match and also recorded seven digs. Redshirt sophomore Raeven Chase (Toronto, Ont.-Michael Power St. Joseph Catholic) also collected three blocks on the night.
In milestone news, redshirt freshman Krista Blakely (Detroit, Mich.-University High School Academy) was able to notch her first career kill and ended the match with two kills and a block.
Overall, the Broncos edged the Eagles in kills (40-26), hitting percentage (.277-.019), assists (35-22), aces (3-0) and digs (52-42). Eastern did lead Western in total attacks (104-101).
Eastern Michigan will continue play against in-state rival Western Michigan Friday, Feb. 5, inside the Convocation Center. The match is scheduled for 6 p.m.
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