A lot of effort will go into this weekend for No. 10 Ball State University (12-1, 3-1 Midwest Intercollegiate Volleyball Association) as they host two tough MIVA matches. On Friday the Cardinals will clash with the Quincy Owls. Quincy (7-9, 1-4 MIVA) cannot be overlooked as they have wins against Carthage and Rutgers-Newark.
"When you look at Quincy, they're a team that runs a lot of their offense through their middles," coach Joel Walton said.
Three Owls that the Cardinals will have to look out for are Joe Caruso, Jon Moreno and Branden Been. These three players scored seven, 18, and five kills respectively against Carthage earlier this week. Been also had three service aces for Quincy.
Saturday, when the Cardinals try to beat No. 12 Ohio State (11-3, 1-1 MIVA), they need to have a more balanced and aggressive effort.
"When we play against Ohio State, they're more of a balanced team," Walton said. "They still have the same personnel they've had for the past four years, but some of them aren't playing very much."
Right now those key players for Ohio State are Robbie Klein and Andy Cole, who each had 16 kills last week against Clarke College.
The big draw for the MIVA games this weekend is the possibility of a conference shake-up. Before coming to Ball State, the Buckeyes play at IPFW. The Cardinals will host two MIVA games but hope to keep composure throughout.
"I think their main focus right now is knowing we didn't play our best against IPFW last weekend and trying to make sure we're doing the right things this week so when we meet Quincy or Ohio State we're ready to go," Walton said. "Both matches are just as important in our conference standings and both teams deserve respect. Quincy is a team that understands the level they have to play at and I don't think they're going to back down to anybody."
Ball State fans have a great opportunity this weekend to see the Cardinals in action in Worthen Arena both Friday and Saturday nights. With two wins, Ball State could gain control of first place in the MIVA. Both nights promise to provide great men's volleyball.
"We're going to do our part this week to encourage students to come out and see some of the best collegiate volleyball in the country," Walton said. "This is a chance to go out on your college campus and see a great match-up."
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