The Ball State women's volleyball team (15-14, 9-7 Mid-AmericanConference) missed out on an opportunity to win the MAC West andsecure the No. 2 seed in the MAC Tournament with a loss to CentralMichigan Friday (18-12, 11-5 MAC), but a win the following nightagainst Eastern Michigan (20-9, 8-8 MAC) still left the Cardinalswith the No. 4 seed and a home match in the opening round of thetournament.
Although not winning the MAC West was not the best of feelings,head coach Randy Litchfield is not overly worried about what thatmeans for his team.
"For me, it was hugely disappointing for about 22 hours," hesaid. "Then I instantly feel better when it is time to play again.I'm lucky to have the type of team that can come out 22 hours laterand put it together. All it means is we don't get Tuesday off andthat we have to play a match Tuesday. That's what we do. We playmatches."
Against Central Michigan, the Cards struggled to pick up theChippewas speedy defense earlier and never recovered, losing 3-1.Ball State turned it around against Eastern Michigan though anddropped the Eagles 3-1. Sophomore outside attacker Sarah Obras ,who tied the MAC single-season record for kills with 611 this year,said the difference between the two matches was the Cards'attitude.
"I think we had a lot more emotion going into it and a lot morepassion and heart," she said. "Our focus against Central Michiganwas to not lose, and I think CMU showed up with a lot of emotion,so we decided that that was what was missing from our game."
Adding to the emotion on Saturday was the fact that it wasSenior Night for BSU's lone senior, Meredith Fancher. The defensivespecialist who came to Ball State as a walk on didn't disappoint inher final regular season match by posting career-highs in assists(8) and digs (18).
Fancher took the match with mixed emotions.
"It makes it a lot easier when you win," she said. "It wouldhave been a lot more difficult if we would have lost. It feelsgood, but of course it is a little sad."
Litchfield could not say enough about Fancher.
"Other players have to grow into leadership," he said. "I thinkMeredith was born one and came along at the perfect time in thisprogram's life. We needed her and that's what I want everyone toknow: what she's done for us invisibly."
Now the Cards must prepare for a match Tuesday against No. 13seeded Miami (10-21, 4-12 MAC). Even though getting the bye the topthree MAC teams get would have been nice, Ball State is excited tobe where it is at.
"I think it just makes it a challenge," Obras said. "We're ateam that likes to play under pressure, and I think that this is agreat opportunity for us to come out as the underdog. I love beingthe underdog, and I really think that we can show up and upset somepeople."
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