The No. 15 Ball State University men's volleyball team will play Quincy University at 8 p.m. in Quincy, Ill. Below are some news and notes for the match.
McCarthy could miss tonight's matchWith Ball State preparing for almost half of its conference matches in the next 10 days, the playing status of middle attacker Matt McCarthy remains unknown.
Coach Joel Walton said Wednesday that the all-conference player will be a gametime decision for Ball State's match tonight against Quincy University.
McCarthy has played in three of Ball State's 11 matches because of a shoulder injury and stress fracture in his back. He also did not play in the Cardinals' two MIVA wins last weekend against IPFW and Loyola.
"I ask him every day, 'How do you feel?'" Walton said. "I look forward to the day when he is going to be able to practice."
McCarthy was named to the 2008 All-MIVA first team and finished last season 10th in the nation with a .428 attack percentage. In limited time this season the senior captain is averaging 1.57 kills per game and a .348 attack percentage.
Series historyThis will be the first time Ball State will play Quincy since the Cardinals eliminated the Hawks in the MIVA Tournament quarterfinals last season.
Prior to that match Ball State players and coach Joel Walton said anything less than a sweep against last-place Quincy would be unacceptable. After winning the first two games though, Ball State lost game three before defeating Quincy four games.
Walton said Wednesday that he would not predict a sweep again. Instead, the coach said the goal of the team was to beat Quincy and finish the match with more than a .300 attack percentage.
"If we do that I know that we went into their gym and performed at high level," Walton said.
Gasparovic not thinking school recordMidway through the season middle attacker J.D. Gasparovic is leading the nation in attack percentage and could break the single-season school record.
Gasparovic has .516 attack percentage and had at least a .500 attack percentage in seven of Ball State's 11 matches. Former middle attacker Paul Fasshuer holds the current season record with a .536 attack percentage in the 2002 season.
Gasparovic said he has been successful this season because setter Ethan Pheister has made good sets throughout the season. He also said he is not concerned about breaking the school record.
"It would be sweet if I did, but I just want to focus on this season - especially this week," he said.
Pheister looking to move up in the record booksSetter Ethan Pheister needs 64 more assists to pass Dave Carlson for sixth place on Ball State's all-time career assists. As a junior, the all-conference setter has 2,090 career assists. Pheister is also averaging 12.06 assists per game - fourth most in the MIVA.
Ohio State loses to a Division III teamFor the first time in 15 attempts, No. 13 Ohio State University lost to Junianta College.
The Buckeyes lost to the No. 2 Division III team 28-30, 30-23, 30-28, 27-30, 15-12 on Wednesday in Columbus, Ohio. In the loss, Ohio State was out-hit .338 to .307 and outside attacker Ted Schoenfeldt had match-high 26 kills.
Ohio State is on a two-match losing streak, and its next match will be against No. 15 Ball State University on Wednesday.
No. 2 UC Irvine sweeps LoyolaLoyola University had less than a .100 attack percent in two games as it lost to No. 2 UC Irvine 30-23, 30-27, 30-21 on Wednesday in Irvine, Calif.
This is the Ramblers third consecutive loss since defeating undefeated and then-No. 1 Penn State University on Feb. 20. Loyola will continue its West Coast road trip with a match against California Baptist at 10 p.m. Friday.
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
