If there's one thing a Cardinal doesn't like it's a cat - namely a Jaguar. The Ball State University women's volleyball team plays host to IUPUI tonight in Worthen Arena.
Ball State comes into the match with a record of 1-5 after an unsuccessful holiday weekend in Alabama. IUPUI experienced a similar fate with an early season r+â-¬sum+â-¬ of 2-5, with wins coming against Youngstown State and Charleston Southern.
"Playing our regional rivals well is one of our goals," head coach Randy Litchfield said. "So tomorrow is a great chance to play an in-state rival, and a team that beat us last year. There is a lot on the line in this match."
The two teams are in similar situations this year. Both have younger line-ups and have started with losing records. IUPUI will most likely start its two seniors, DeAnna Pflum and Christy McConnell. They also have plenty of experience as three freshmen owned a majority of playing time in their Charleston Southern match.
"They lost a couple good players," Litchfield said. "They return the girl that went a long way in beating us last year so we know she'll have a lot of confidence against us, and we're facing a team that earned their first victory ever against us last year and, like us, are very hungry for a win."
The issues for the Cardinals seem unending. With a lineup that consists of only six returning players chemistry and comfort levels seem awry.
"We should be fighting like we've been backed into a corner," Litchfield said. "The problem I see with this team right now is we tend to get too wrapped up in licking our wounds instead of fighting our way out of the mess."
Ball State hopes that a couple changes in the roster will make a difference. According to Litchfield, the setter position and outside attacker positions will be rotating to accommodate more energetic and consistent players.
"Setter Cassie Conner deserves a chance to see if she can win," Litchfield said. "Kelly Cochran is going to come off the bench. I thought the team played better with Julie Brievogel and Brittany May playing the outside. The downside is that we can't think of being competitive in the [Mid-American Conference] with our best players on the bench; however, if we need to develop younger players, that's what we'll do."
This match gives fans a chance to come to Worthen Arena and enjoy a mid-week match that would give the Cardinals some momentum before heading into their off weekend. The Cards are searching for chemistry and a team-focused atmosphere. One of the best ways to gain that is in front of a home crowd.
"We've got to start fighting," Litchfield said. "If we don't do that tomorrow night after what we've endured in practice for a couple days, I'll be very surprised."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
