With two Mid-American Conference matches this weekend the Ball State University women's volleyball team will end the weekend having played exactly half of its MAC season.
The team will play Ohio University and Kent State University Friday and Saturday respectively.
"Both teams have a very fast offense ... so it's going to be a challenge for our defense," coach Dave Boos said.
Heading into the weekend, the Cardinals (3-15, 2-4 MAC) sit in fifth place of the MAC West division. However, they are one game out of second place.
Having played 18 matches in a less than two months can wear on players, however, freshman Alyssa Rio said her teammates have made it easier.
"It's been pretty easy with my teammates and all the other freshman," Rio said. "We are doing everything together."
Every player is confronted with the obstacle of practicing or playing in a match everyday and at the same time having to keep up with studies. It's even harder to do when the team plays on the road. Rio said it has been difficult to do in her first year at Ball State.
"It's definitely hard with the two, school and volleyball, but I've been doing it so long it's not that bad anymore," Rio said. "I enjoy volleyball so it's more about it being hard to keep up with school."
Players can pick up a long list of minor injuries throughout the course of a season, and while players get treatment constantly Rio said she welcomes some minor injuries.
"Treatment is always a must, but I don't think it's that bad ... I like bruises," Rio said.
Minor injuries, like Brittany May's ankle injury earlier this season, are something Boos said are expected.
"It's nothing new to them they've been doing it their whole life," Boos said. "You're going to get bumps and bruises, sprained ankles and sprained fingers; all sorts of things."
The Cardinals will carry those bumps and bruises, among other injuries, into their two matches this weekend. First up is Ohio. The Bobcats are 13-4 on the season and tied for first the MAC East with a 5-1 MAC record. The record has earned Ohio the No. 21 ranking in the American Volleyball Coaches Association Division I Coaches Top 25 Poll.
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