Despite a gutsy and all out effort, the Ball State University women's volleyball (15-16) season came to an end Friday in Toledo, Ohio at the hands of a 3-1 loss to Ohio University (24-5).
The Cardinals came out with intense energy and put it to use in the first set. Taking advantage of blocking and consistent big plays Ball State was able to claim a lead late. Ohio refused to go away and fought back, taking a 22-20 lead and forcing a Ball State timeout.
"It was amazing. We had a big rush of energy as we took to the court and were very motivated," senior Alisha Green said. "They expected to win and didn't come out playing as hard as us and we took advantage of it."
This time the Cardinals went on a big 5-0 sparked by sophomore middle blocker, First Team All-MAC, Kelsey Brandl. Brandl had a pair of blocks and kills. The result, a 25-22 set one victory.
"The team played really hard and left everything out there. I can't ask for much more than that," Boos said. "The team was hungry to compete [Friday]. Those first two sets could have gone either way. I felt we out-played them through the first two sets although we didn't win the second set."
The second set was also a battle between the two squads. Each side took turns making runs and taking control of the set. Ohio put together a massive 8-0 in the middle of the set, appearing to have put the set away, but Ball State would not waver.
The Cardinals rallied again, this time within one at 24-23. A costly and ill-timed service error, with the match on the line handed the Bobcats the second set on a platter 25-23.
"Losing the second set wasn't deflating at all. We wanted to be aggressive and we played aggressive," Green said. "It wasn't a downfall at all, we just were like we've got the next set."
After that the wheels essentially feel off the bus. Despite great plays, the Cardinals played error-filled volleyball. Ohio capitalized on service errors, blocking errors, and hitting errors to take the final two sets 25-19, 25-18 respectively.
Seniors Green and Julie Breivogel went down swinging Friday night. Green led the Cardinals with 15 kills. Breivogel added 10 of her own. Brandl chipped in nine kills and two solo blocks. The other senior on the squad, Elaina Kakatolis played two sets and posted two kills in her final match as a Cardinal.
Defensively Alyssa Rio tallied 13 digs and setter Brittany McGinnis added 12 in the quarterfinal loss that ends the Cardinals season.
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
