KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Against its in-state rival, Western Michigan volleyball fell to Central Michigan in three sets (24-26, 19-25, 14-25) on Saturday night inside University Arena.

Despite the loss, senior Kathleen Reilly continued to etch her name into the WMU record book, becoming just the third Bronco in school history to eclipse 2,000 career digs. Reilly ranks third all-time in school history in digs and had a match-high 17 against the Chippewas.

Junior Rachel Bontrager led the Broncos offensively with 11 kills, marking the 13th match this season in which she has posted double digit kills. The Valparaiso, Ind., native nearly had a double-double as well with eight digs.

Fellow junior Mary Marzo nearly notched her fifth double-double of the season with 19 assists along with eight digs. At the net, redshirt sophomore Janell Williams matched her season-high with eight blocks.

As a team the Broncos hit just .089 compared to CMU's, .235 attack percentage. Each team caused havoc at the net with the Chippewas recording 10 blocks and the Broncos earning eight.

WMU now has an overall record of 10-4 and 1-1 in Mid-American Conference play. The Broncos are on the road next weekend at Toledo (Oct. 4) and at Ball State (Oct. 5). The Brown & Gold are back at home on Thursday, Oct. 12 against Northern Illinois.

Set One (WMU – 24, CMU – 26)
The two teams went back and forth to begin the first set prior to WMU earning back-to-back blocks to gain a 10-9 advantage. It ultimately sparked a 7-2 run for the Broncos en route to a 14-11 lead.

WMU went on a 4-0 run later in the set to take a 19-14 lead before the Chippewas rallied back to tie the set at 23-23. CMU ended the first set on a 5-1 run to grab the first set, 26-24.

Set Two (WMU – 19, CMU – 25)
Central Michigan gained an early lead in the second and extended its lead midway through the set thanks to a 6-2 run to hold a 12-6 lead. The Broncos continued to claw their way back and trailed 19-14 after a CMU attack error along with a kill from redshirt sophomore Charley Andrews.

After a block by Williams and Marzo cut the WMU deficit down to five, CMU held on late to take the second set 25-19 and earn a 2-0 lead in the match.

Set Three (WMU – 14, CMU – 25)
In the third set, Central Michigan recorded a .229 attack percentage and had four blocks to secure the 25-14 victory. A kill by Bontrager cut the WMU deficit down to one before the Chippewas went on a 10-1 run to extend their lead to 17-6.

Western Michigan looked to claw its way back in the third going on a 4-1 run before CMU countered with a 4-1 run of its own to win the set and the match inside University Arena.