MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – The Panthers finished their preseason schedule with a major statement, defeating Central Michigan University 3-2 in an exhibition match. The Chippewas are an NCAA Division I school that competes in the MAC, but that didn't faze Davenport. This is the first time in program history that DU took on an NCAA Division I opponent in an exhibition match. The Davenport community has much to look forward to this season after a solid preseason statement by the Panthers.
 
THE BASICS
Final Score: Davenport 3, Central Michigan University 2
Location: Mount Pleasant, Mich.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
-SET SCORES: 21-25, 25-13, 21-25, 25-21, 15-6
Davenport lost the opening set by a slight margin, 21-25, then came back in the second set with an emphatic 25-13 win. The Chippewas took a 2-1 set lead after their four-point win in set three. Davenport, with their backs against the wall, won two straight sets to defeat CMU 3-2 in the exhibition match. This match and its stats are not calculated into the season totals.
 
COACHES CORNER
"We are very grateful for the opportunity to compete against Central Michigan" stated Head Coach Megan Lenhart. "The team fought really hard and found their rhythm as the match went on. I feel this experience will benefit us a lot this season".
 
STAT LEADERS
Kills – Ashley VanderHorst (12)
Service Aces – Jenna Asper/Kasey Stehouwer/VanderHorst (2)
Blocks – Jessica Marvin (5)
Assists – Sydney Tracer (25)
Digs – Stehouwer (16)
 
UP NEXT
Davenport opens up their 2018 season in Colorado next week at the Oredigger Volleyball Classic, hosted by the Colorado School of Mines. The Panthers will play two matches on Friday, August 24 and then two more on Saturday, August 25.

Story by: Devin Steiner
 
Picture credit: Tyler Triemstra