It's a simple thought driving the Ball State University women's volleyball team this weekend: Just win.
"Coming into the season we decided as a team that winning this tournament would be one of our goals," libero Christie Waters said. "We have a good base from the last couple weekends and have a chip on our shoulder. We want to prove how good we are."
The Cardinals (2-4) start the tournament play off against conference independent Chicago State University (0-6) Friday afternoon and continue play in the tournament Saturday morning against Eastern Illinois University (5-4). The marquee matchup of the weekend comes when Ball State and host Indiana State University (1-6) hook up at 7 p.m. Saturday.
The Cardinals are a combined 46-8-1 all-time against the Best Western field, but the history won't secure wins for the team. However, Coach Dave Boos feels the goal of winning the tournament is a very realistic one for his team.
"We've learned and are continuing to find the level of intensity and focus that allows us to succeed," Boos said. "We have really progressed and taken positive steps, especially this past weekend where we won two and played well against Louisville in the third and fourth sets."
An obstacle Ball State will have to overcome is the lack of preparation time. With Labor Day shorting the week, game film didn't arrive until the middle of the week, cutting down on the Cardinals' time to scout and prepare.
"Obviously, the more standard the system, the less complicated it will be to scout," Boos said. "And as a result it will take less time to prepare for them."
Defensively, Schembra and Waters have been a good complement to each other. Waters leads the team in digs with 3.67 per set while Schembra leads the team in passing.
"We're sad that Rio had to get hurt, but she's really helped us get better," Schembra said. "What we've been doing and accomplishing should be accredited to her."
Waters credited libero Alyssa Rio as well for helping while being out, but also acknowledged how it feels to contribute consistently and having fun while doing so.
"It's been a lot of fun and having the playing time has helped me grow as a player," Waters said. "It feels good to do what I can to help out. and we've gotten into a flow with each other. We're excited to have the chance to win a tournament this weekend."
The Cardinals will look to snap a three game losing streak Friday when they take to the court against Chicago State.
Injury Update: Liberos Alyssa Rio and Hannah Sullivan remain on the injured list heading into the weekend. Sullivan remains listed as day-to-day and will be a game-day decision. Rio continues to recover from a pulled hamstring suffered two weeks ago in the season opening match against nationally ranked Purdue University. She has progressed and may return in time for Mid-American Conference play. Coach Boos confirmed both Sullivan and Rio will travel with the team and are expected to return to the lineup sooner rather than later.
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