With a little help from Northern Illinois University and Central Michigan University, the Ball State University women's volleyball team is tied for first in the Mid-American Conference Western Division after defeating the University at Buffalo 3-1 (25-21, 26-28, 25-23, 25-20) Saturday.
The Cardinals (7-11, 3-1 MAC) are tied with Western Michigan and Central Michigan.
On Friday, the Huskies upset Central Michigan 3-0, and the Chippewas returned the favor Saturday with a 3-1 upset of preseason MAC West favorite Western Michigan.
"[Being in first place] feels great because we worked so hard through the preseason and knew what we were capable of," freshman setter Brittany McGinnis said. "We've still got lots of work left to keep it going."
In its third-straight MAC victory, Ball State benefitted from 15 Buffalo service errors.
Coach Dave Boos was quick to point out that the Bulls' serving inconsistencies, however, were bittersweet.
"[Buffalo's] serving game gave us fits throughout the match," Boos said. "I think we're fortunate to come away with this victory."
The Bulls also totaled more kills (49 to 41 for Ball State) and blocks (11.5 to 7). Boos said he was glad to see the Cardinals' defense rise to the occasion.
"Our offense was definitely hindered by their serving and our passing," Boos said. "I think our serving game and defense is the reason why we won this match."
Freshman defensive specialist Christie Waters led the team with 15 digs, while sophomore defensive specialist/libero Alyssa Rio had 12 digs and a match-high 23 service receptions.
Leading the offense for Ball State was sophomore outside hitter Hannah Sullivan with 10 kills. Junior middle blocker Alisha Green added nine kills with a .421 attack percentage.
McGinnis, who had 35 assists and six digs, said she was happy to see her team overcome its imperfections.
"It probably wasn't the prettiest volleyball match," McGinnis said. "But it just showed that we can come together and play as a team even when we aren't playing our best."
For Buffalo (5-13, 0-4 MAC), Dani Silvers had a match-high 12 kills, while Lindsey Schlegel had a match-high 17 digs.
With the win, Ball State moved to 13-0 all-time against Buffalo.
The Cardinals will look for their fourth-straight MAC win Friday when they travel to Northern Illinois.
Five things to take away:
1. With Saturday night's 3-1 win at Buffalo, the Cardinals won their third-straight MAC match and are tied for first in the MAC West.
2. Ball State is tied with Central Michigan and preseason MAC West favorite Western Michigan.
3. Freshman defensive specialist Christie Waters led Ball State with 15 digs, while sophomore outside hitter Hannah Sullivan led the team with 10 kills.
4. The Cardinals were able to win the match even though the Bulls had more total kills and blocks in the match.
5. The Cardinals next play Friday at Northern Illinois.
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