Volleyball continues to shine with 5-2 record against tough opponents

Sophomore defense specialist Kate Avila prepares to serve the ball during the second set against Bradley University on Sept. 1, 2017 at John E. Worthen Arena. Ball State won two out of three sets. Briana Hale, DN File
Sophomore defense specialist Kate Avila prepares to serve the ball during the second set against Bradley University on Sept. 1, 2017 at John E. Worthen Arena. Ball State won two out of three sets. Briana Hale, DN File

Ball State women’s volleyball has started the season with a 5-2 record, clawing its way through close matches against tough opponents. 

This past weekend’s tournament at Worthen Arena proved to be a success for the Cardinals, with wins against Navy (25-7, 25-18, 27-25), Bradley (26-24,26-28,25-22,25-14) and finishing with a straight set win against Fort Wayne (25-21,25-19,25-22).

Junior outside hitter Ellie Dunn played exceptionally well, finishing the tournament with 34 kills and a 3.40 kills per set average. Dunn was also added to the Active Ankle Challenge All-Tournament Team and contributed seven blocks and four digs in addition to her whopping kills statistic. 

Junior opposite Emily Holland was yet another addition to the All-Tournament Team, who added nine kills and two blocks in the match against Fort Wayne.

Head coach Kelli Miller has set the tone with her desire for self improvement and the girls are taking coach’s message to heart, making strides in every match. 

“I think it’s more important that we focus on what we need to do and make sure that we’re executing on our side of the net, because I think that really is going to prepare [us] better for the MAC season,” Miller said. 

In Tuesday's game against IUPUI, a five set match showcased the skills of redshirt junior middle hitter Meg Starling, who finished off the match with 15 kills and a team-high of five digs. The team rallied together, finishing the match in five sets, but ultimately fell to IUPUI (25-18,25-23,17-25,20-25,8-15). Despite the setback, Starling brought forth a career performance and the Cardinals still held a 75 to 61 advantage in digs for the match.

Alongside Starling, junior outside hitter Brooklyn Goodsel added 14 kills, followed by junior middle hitter Emily Holland with nine.

Next up for the Cardinals is the Colorado State University Tournament Friday. The team will face Colorado State at 2 p.m., followed by a 10 p.m. match against Idaho State.

Ball State will close out the weekend with a 12 p.m. match against Michigan Sunday.

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