Even though nine of the 15 players on the women's volleyball team have never played a match in college, the team has high hopes, intensity and talent.
The Ball State University women's team is tabbed to finish first in the West Division of the Mid-American Conference and opens against the Xavier Musketeers Friday night.
"We've worked on a lot of team-oriented things like our rotations," sophomore transfer Christine Kennedy said.
Since none of the teams have played a match this season, the teams competing this weekend will not have adequate scouting reports.
"We're fortunate that we did see all three teams last year, the 2005 versions," Litchfield said. "We have a little bit to go on but I think it's a big mistake to focus on opponents this time of year when we have so much to focus on our own sides of the net."
The lineup on the Cardinal's side of the net consists of three seniors: Amanda McCormick at libero, Kirby Gibson at opposite/middle attacker, and Kelly Cochran at outside attacker.
"We're going to be up against some teams we've seen," Cochran said, "and I think we have a lot to prove, especially the way we're going into this season.
"We lost to Michigan State last year and were without some of our top players so it's kind of like our time to shine."
Cochran is one of the handful of players Litchfield is ready see on the floor.
"I think there's going to be roughly nine individuals that will see the bulk of the playing time this weekend," Litchfield said. "I've never felt quite so comfortable about our top eight before and it's nice to have so many capable people."
The Cardinals will have plenty of chances to prove themselves as they play once Friday night and twice on Saturday. At 10 a.m. Saturday, the women's volleyball team will play the IPFW Mastodons. Later in the evening the Cardinals will take on the Spartans of Michigan State.
"We're most excited about IPFW," Sophomore Elaina Kakatolis said. "We lost to them last year and it was a pretty intense match."
One of the biggest issues facing the Cardinals besides the competition is the fact that they play three tough matches in two days.
"With such an incredible young roster with nine of 15 who have never played in a college match before," Litchfield said, "we're just reminding them to do the little things that help you win. They've never been in this level of competition, so if you get a chance to rest you rest, you don't run out for Mexican food the night before you play."
Tournaments such as these test a team's durability and stamina. If they can keep an intense level of play all weekend, they may have an edge over less conditioned teams.
"In these tournaments us coaches keep telling ourselves we won't schedule these tournaments," Litchfield said. "Its' nice to get these matches out of the way, but it's not nice to play so many in such a short time. We'll go into it expecting long matches; when we're not playing, rest and relaxation is really critical because there's going to be six to seven hours of straight intensity."
Ball State's opponents this weekend are all top 100 teams. Xavier compiled a 21-11 record last season as they came in second in the Atlantic 10 West Division. Ball State is undefeated against Xavier with a 5-0 record with one of the victories coming last season to the tune of 3-0 (30-26, 30-23, 30-26).
The IPFW Mastodons beat Ball State early last season with a 3-1 decision (30-21, 30-28, 19-30, 30-15). That loss is one of two all-time losses as the Cardinals hold a 5-2 series lead.
Against the Spartans, the Cardinals are tied all-time with six match victories, a piece. Michigan State defeated Ball State last season with a 3-0 win (30-25, 30-19, 30,19).
Litchfield wants to keep things simple this weekend
"We want to go into it with a very general game plan," Litchfield said. "That is going to allow us to play our best and if we miss some things out of our opponents hopefully we can adjust during matches. I expect some long matches and it's conceivable that there will be some ugly games being that it's opening weekend."
This weekend's tournament gives the Ball State community a chance to come out and enjoy high-caliber collegiate volleyball in its own Worthen Arena.
"This team is as exciting as I have seen play with a lot of spirit and effort," Litchfield said. "Win, lose, or draw I think people will be impressed with us. I think people enjoy watching young teams play and we typify a young team; yet we've got some familiar faces who have really earned their stripes. Volleyball is such a great sport at this school with media coverage and large crowds. I think last year we saw some of that with the real psycho fan groups and we've got some guys that I think are dedicated to growing that."
Ball State looks to get off to a quick start to this 2006 campaign and there is a lot of potential in the Cardinals' path.
"I feel like we're ready and I think our adrenaline is really up there for being our first game of the season," Kelly Cochran said. "I feel our excitement level will lead us through."
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