Ball State University's women's volleyball team, coming off their first quality road win of the season, looks to finally get a winning streak going.
The Cardinals (13-8, 6-4 in Mid-American Conference) have failed to win more than three matches in a row all season, but enter today's match against Northern Illinois on a three game winning streak.
"I think if you can win five matches in a row then that starts a sign of consistency," coach Randy Litchfield said. "That's what this team since very early in the season has trying to achieve."
"Five matches in a row would be huge for us."
While the Cardinals fell to Northern Illinois and Western Michigan, both 3-2, two weeks ago; they have a combined 21-1 record against the teams at Worthen Arena.
"We have roughly been the same team physically all year," Litchfield said. "I just feel a lot more confident about where we are in our minds right now. I hope that's the difference."
Both the Huskies (12-13, 4-6 MAC) and Broncos (14-7, 7-4 MAC) have offenses based on strong middle attackers. Northern Illinois' Kate McCullagh leads the MAC with 5.48 kills per game while Western Michigan's Shaylen Jackson is third with 4.41. Ball State's Rachel Refenes has 4.20 kills per game.
The Cardinals defense, led by Refenes' blocking and Amanda McCormick who is averaging a MAC leading 5.91 digs per game, will have to shut down the middle hitters.
"We're going to try and make sure that McCullagh with Northern and Jackson with Western don't get loose and hurt us like both of them did at their place," Litchfield said.
The homestand will be the last time the Cards play at home in the regular season. Seniors Sarah Obras, Stephanie Bacan, Kristin Westhof and Refenes will be honored during Saturday's match.
"This group thrives from a little external motivation from the crowd," Litchfield said.
Ball State will also have free admission for everyone on Saturday.
"I hope everyone takes advantage of the free for all and brings their neighbors and their pets and comes out and supports these seniors, 'cause they really deserve it," Litchfield said.
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