Ball State won its season opener against Albany 3-1 despite early struggles. The Cardinals started the Active Ankle Challenge showing a bit of rust as they dropped the first game 25-22.
"It seemed like they kind of stopped playing at the end of that first game and weren't sure of what to do," head coach Steve Shondell said.
The Cardinals fought back, however, tying the match 1-1 with a 25-20 victory in the second set. They dominated the Great Danes in the third, taking the lead early and never giving it back to take a 25-20 game and put them one set from victory.
"We really talked it through after the first loss and shook it off and refocused to get back into it," Jenna Spadafora said. "Once we got going we felt confident and really wanted the win."
Ball State picked up the match victory in the fourth set with a 25-19 win, overcoming a three-point deficit in the first half. This is the sixth-straight season the Cardinals won their season opener.
"Other than serving being a bit of a problem early, the team really looked good all-around," Shondell said. "Exactly how we needed to start the season."
The Cardinals' offense was dominant, nearly doubling the Great Danes in kills, 61-37. Alex Fuelling led with 18 kills while Bailey Baumer was the surprise performer of the night with 15 kills.
"Alex looked to be in a form that we hadn't seen since she returned from her ankle issues," Shondell said. "Bailey came out a little nervous, but as the match went on, she became more and more comfortable and was on point."
Ball State will look to keep an early perfect record tonight when they finish their season opening double header against Belmont (0-1). With the season starting with a double header, fatigue is an issue that could give some issues to the Cardinals and also provide opportunities for younger players on the team.
"With a lot of the starters taking so many swings and bumps, some of our new recruits will need to step up and play their part," Shondell said. "It's a hard way for them to be introduced, but something that will most likely need to happen."
Injuries to players prior to the season, like Sabrina Mangapora and Mackenzie Kitchel, makes the need even stronger. However, Shondell is confident that the freshmen will perform well.
"We have some of the best recruits in the nation," Shondell said. "They need this experience and I see them succeeding when under the lights."
The two teams face off at 7:30 p.m. in Worthen Arena.
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