After missing the season's first three weeks because of an injury, outside attacker Matt Sprague could be back on the court this weekend for the Ball State University men's volleyball team.
Coach Joel Walton said Thursday that Sprague won't start but will most likely see playing time this weekend in the Ball State's matches against George Mason University on Friday and Rutgers-Newark University on Saturday.
'Matt will be coming out at some part, either because our team has worked hard and we're at great advantage or because we need to change the momentum,' Walton said. 'I'm looking forward to giving him the opportunity to be out on the court.'
Sprague has missed the Cardinals first five matches because of an ankle injury he suffered during the preseason. As a junior last season, Sprague started all but two matches at left outside attacker and was second on the team with a 2.65 kills per game average.
Sprague could play at libero because that position would require less jumping on his injured ankle, Walton said.
Throughout this week in practice Walton said Sprague has been moving around better on his ankle. The coach said Sprague is getting anxious to be back on the court.
'He's getting very anxious and he is letting me know that on a daily basis,' Walton said.
With Sprague coming off the bench, Walton said Lee Meyer will continue to start at one of the two left outside attacker positions against George Mason. The coach also said he's still deciding between outside attackers Marcus Imwalle, Dominic Spadavecchio or Larry Wrather to be the other starter.
All three players have played in Ball State's five matches this season but each have less than .200 attack percentage.
Ball State enters its match against George Mason on a four-match winning streak.
In the last three seasons, the Cardinals and Patriots have split its two-match series. In addition, the road team has won all four matches in the last two seasons, including George Mason sweeping Ball State at Worthen Arena last season.
'We want to take care of business at home,' Walton said. 'I don't like the fact we have lost the last two years. I don't like to lose to anyone at Worthen Arena.'
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