Western Michigan Volleyball Hosts Eastern Michigan on Friday
The Western Michigan volleyball team hosts Eastern Michigan at University Arena on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, at 6 p.m., bringing an unblemished 4-0 home record and a 13-match win streak in the head-to-head series into the Mid-American Conference matchup, as wmubroncos.com reported.
Western Michigan enters the contest at 9-5 overall and 1-2 in MAC play following a straight-set victory over Central Michigan on Tuesday night. Eastern Michigan arrives at 7-7 overall and 1-1 in the conference, having split its early league matches with a win against Central Michigan and a loss to Buffalo.
University Arena Streak Contrasts With Extended Road Stretch
The Broncos spent a month away from Kalamazoo before returning to their home court, where they have won nine straight matches dating back to last season. Under Colleen Munson, Western Michigan holds a 185-63 home record. In the all-time series against the Eagles, the Brown and Gold command a 78-24 advantage and have not dropped a home match to Eastern Michigan since 2005.
Tuesday’s win over Central Michigan showcased efficient distribution from redshirt sophomore Leah Richmond. Richmond handed out 42 assists, tying her top performance of the 2026 season at 14.00 assists per set. That effort pushed her season average to 10.26 assists per set, leading the MAC and ranking 28th nationally in NCAA Division I. The offense hit .305 as a team against Central Michigan, marking the third time this season the Broncos have surpassed a .300 team hitting clip.
Balanced Attack Faces Disciplined Blockers
Annalise Patchett converted Richmond’s distribution into 16 kills on a .452 hitting percentage on Tuesday. Patchett currently ranks eighth in the MAC with 3.14 kills per set, leading a balanced WMU offense that features six players with double-digit kill totals this season. Gabby Weihe ranks third in the conference and 42nd nationally with a .396 hitting percentage, while Izzy Swiercz contributed nine kills and a career-high 14 digs against Central Michigan.
Eastern Michigan counters with defensive pressure at the net and behind the service line. The Eagles rank second in the MAC in both aces per set at 1.75 and blocks per set at 2.22. Azra Eriç paces Eastern Michigan in both departments, leading the conference with 22 service aces while ranking second in total blocks with 62 and blocks per set at 1.22.
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