When Quincy comes to Worthen Arena Saturday, it will be the first obstacle the volleyball team faces in becoming repeat conference champions.
The Cardinals are in the third seed of the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association tournament, which they won last year. They face the sixth seed Hawks (9-15, 5-11 MIVA) in the first round.
Although Ball State beat Quincy in three sets both times the two played in the regular season, head coach Joel Walton said his team must not take the Hawks lightly.
"We should be confident, but we can't allow that confidence to make us relax," Walton said. "We have to expect Quincy to play well and it's up to us to stop them."
Walton said the Cardinals must particularly be on their toes because Quincy has been experimenting with different lineups recently. He said his team doesn't know what to expect.
"We're a little unsure," Walton said. "Yet, whoever they put out there, it's up to us to decide how the game goes."
Much of the team's game plan, Walton said, will revolve around keeping Quincy's middle attacker Fernando Barretto in check.
"We want to limit their opportunities to set him by serving them tough," Walton said.
Walton added that the Cardinals outside blockers will have to come to the middle to help block Barretto and slow him down.
Though the team's goal was to win the MIVA regular season championship and the coveted No. 1 seed, Walton said the Cardinals are still in a good position to make a run in the tournament.
He also said that being defending champs gives the team an advantage in terms of experience.
"The way our team played last year (in the tournament) showed me that our guys are capable of stepping up in big matches," Walton said.
"The fact that we're defending champions is a lingering thought in our opponents' minds. But in order to take full advantage of that, we have to walk onto the court showing confidence, believing that we can win it again."
Walton was quick to point out that the championship match is still two games away. The focus for now, he said, is on Quincy.
"We have a lot to accomplish," Walton said. "We can't look beyond anybody. Right now its all about getting our guys prepared, rested and ready to play their best."
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