Three days of practice was enough for Ball State University women's volleyball coach Randy Litchfield to see progress in his team.
"Our players knew that they were under the microscope," said Litchfield, referring to last weekend's 1-2 tournament record. "I'm watching the entire lineup closely. The lineup we ended last week's tournament with is still standing out in practice."
The "Bama Bash" in Tuscaloosa, Ala. is the second tournament of the season and gives the team a chance to improve its record. By departing Wednesday night, Ball State gave itself an extra chance to scout its opponents and practice on Thursday. On Friday morning the games begin as the Cardinals take on the Panthers from UW-Milwaukee. Later in the day, the Crimson Tide of Alabama will host Ball State. The Cards will close the weekend with a morning match on Saturday against the Mercer Bears.
"It's an interesting challenge," Litchfield said. "On the surface I like it because we play two morning matches. I like our team in the morning; we practice in the morning, and played our best volleyball in the morning."
The next few days for the Cardinals look to be a challenge, and they hope they are prepared. Ball State's opponents, UW-Milwaukee, Mercer and Alabama, are all mid-major or better programs.
"I think Alabama has to be the clear-cut favorite," Litchfield said. "We beat them here last year in November, and I always think revenge is a great motivator. UW-Milwaukee has a great tradition. They fight, scratch and claw to win. They're going to give us all we want."
Litchfield said sophomore transfer Christine Kennedy is the biggest injury concern because she has a bruised foot, but the team looks to its bench for support and Litchfield looks to the bus ride as a bonding tool to connect the team.
"I want to throw everything we've got into this weekend," Litchfield said. "It's a huge weekend for Ball State volleyball. I'm pleased that this team will be riding the bus together and hanging out. The road can be a great experience when trying to get a team focused on competition and being together.
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