Staying positive and confident, that is what the Ball State University women's volleyball team is trying to do after being swept twice last weekend, giving it eight consecutive losses.
"Every game is a new start and we just have to stay confident in ourselves no matter what is happening," freshman libero Alyssa Rio said.
The Cardinals lost Friday night to Central Michigan University 3-0 (30-27, 30-19, 30-26), which was followed by a Saturday loss to Eastern Michigan University 3-0 (30-15, 30-14, 30-19).
Coach Dave Boos played 11 of 13 players on Friday and all 13 on Saturday. He said he was looking for someone to ignite the team.
"Looking for answers, looking for somebody to spark us," Boos said. "Average volleyball isn't going to do it for us right now. We need to somebody to spark us to the next level and that could be anybody on this team. I don't care if they are a defensive player, an outside attacker or a setter."
Boos said he thought Abby LaVigne did well against Eastern Michigan. She led the team with eight kills and had a .150 attacking percentage.
"I love the play of Abby LaVigne in that match," Boos said. "She came in on some pretty difficult situations, especially in game three, and did some great things. What I love most about her is her fearlessness."
As a team the Cardinals hit .042. They hit -.062 in game one, .080 in game two and .105 in game three.
The Eagles hit almost seven times better than Ball State. They hit .320 for the game.
The Cardinals are in the midst of their second losing streak of eight matches or more this season, and while Rio said it hurt, she also said the team isn't giving up.
"It's heartbreaking ... when you don't come out and win it definitely hurts," Rio said. "It's not going to stop us. We are going to keep working hard, keep fighting and come out and win the next match."
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