Outside attacker Todd Chamberlain had to wait 39 days, but he finally got his starting position back Wednesday.
Chamberlain, who had not started a match since March 3 because of a suspension, had a match-high three serving aces as the No. 15 Ball State University men's volleyball team defeated Lewis University 30-25, 23-30, 30-26, 29-31, 15-7.
"It's a good feeling, and I was excited to get the start and to be playing the starting position," Chamberlain said. "It was nice to be back. I wanted my spot back from the time I've been gone."
Prior to Wednesday, Chamberlain came off the bench to play five games in two matches since his suspension ended last week. Against Lewis he played in all five matches and had 16 kills.
"Todd always brings energy, and he is always there for the big kill," setter Ethan Pheister said. "He played really well, and I was happy with the way he played."
Coach Joel Walton said the biggest reason for Chamberlain's success Wednesday was because of Pheister.
Pheister replaced starting setter Jeff Schmitz after game two and finished the match with a team-high 40 assists.
Ball State averaged a .420 attack percentage in the last three games, compared to the .198 it had in the first two games.
"The difference was in our offense," Walton said. "It came to life in game three. Jeff wasn't locating the ball well to his hitter, and we needed to make a change. Lewis was serving float serves, and with Ethan, our passing was much more aggressive."
Walton said with Pheister's performance Wednesday, he is unsure who will start at setter for the Cardinals' final Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association match Friday against No. 6 Ohio State University.
"I'm still not 100 percent, but after [Wednesday] I feel better putting Ethan in," Walton said.
With this win, Ball State clinches the No. 4 seed and is guaranteed a home match in the first round of the MIVA Tournament. Lewis will be the No. 5 seed in the conference tournament and will play at Ball State in the first round.
Chamberlain said despite playing first-place Ohio State Friday, the win against Lewis was a more important match for the team.
"If we lost we would be driving back up to Lewis for the first round and its most important game of the year," Chamberlain said. "It's a huge win and just makes the first round a lot easier."
Wednesday was Ball State's first road win since March 3 and ended a two-match losing streak.
Walton said he was happy his team could win a road game this close the MIVA Tournament. He also said it gives the Cardinals confidence knowing if they advance far enough, they will play the semi-finals and championship game on the road.
"Our team needed this kind of win and a performance like this at this time," Walton said. "This was as much an emotional win for us to pull a tough match out on the road."
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