The "Bama Bash" turned bust as the Ball State University women's volleyball team placed last in the 2-day tournament. The Alabama Crimson Tide hosted a tournament which included Mercer University, UM-Wisconsin, and Ball State.
The Cardinals started the weekend with what looked to be a good matchup against UW-Milwaukee.
Sadly, the match turned out to be Ball State's worst offensive performance of the season, losing 0-3 (28-30, 10-30, 22-30). Junior setter Angie Parrell led the Cards with 6 kills and 5 digs.
During the match, the team again seemed to have chemistry issues.
"Team chemistry is such an interesting dynamic," Litchfield said. "Off the court we have such good chemistry, but on the court it's not there. I think they're far too nice to each other. Frankly I think we're beyond constructive criticism; I think it's time they stood up and got in each other's faces."
Having a chance to turn it around, the Cardinals stepped up to play the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. Ball State jumped off a kill by Brittany May to a 2-1 lead in the first game. The Tide then took over and won the first game 30-25.
Game 2 played out much the same for the Cardinals. After an attack error by Alabama and a kill by Julie Brievogel, Ball State held a slim 11-10 advantage. Alabama then took control and went on for the 30-25, to go up 2-0.
The Cardinals struggled early and often in what proved to be the final game, following behind 10-2. Alabama made it 3 in a row as Ball State again failed to gain on last year's NCAA tournament team. The Tide dominated game 3, 30-15.
Brievogel had the best performance for the Cardinals with 12 kills and 5 digs.
Ball State's third and final match was a thriller against the Mercer University Bears.
In a match that saw 37 ties and 30 lead changes, the Cardinals took the Bears to five games. During game 1, the Cardinals jumped out to a 2-0 lead thanks to back-to-back kills by Brittany May. The score went back and forth until the last tie at 32-32. Ball State got the final two points on a kill from Christine Kennedy and an attack error by the Bears. Game 1 went to the Cardinals 34-32.
Game 2 started quickly for Ball State with a kill from Elaina Kokotolis. The Cardinals stretched the lead to seven with a kill from Brittany May, but the Bears eventually caught up and won 30-28. Game 3 was over quickly as the Bears got an early lead and never looked back, winning 30-19.
Ball State had an early 5-0 lead in game 4, and the score went back and forth before the Cardinals clamped down and won 30-21.
Once tied at two games each, the two teams played an intense and decisive game. It started out close, but the Bears pulled away and got the victory 15-13. and also took match 3-2 (32-34, 30-28, 30-19, 21-30, 15-13).
"I'm spending every moment of practice trying to make this team mad," Litchfield said. "I'm trying to invoke some personality, and I doubt they're enjoying it very much."
Ball State falls to 1-5 on the season. They host the IUPUI Jaguars Wednesday night, at 7 p.m.
"By the end of November we're going to be a very good volleyball team," Litchfield said. "But we have to get each other figured out."
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