Just as No. 15 Ball State University snagged the momentum and got the Worthen Arena crowd into the match, No. 9 Penn State University had an answer.
The Nittany Lions came away with a 20-30, 30-28, 30-23, 26-30, 15-10 win against the Cardinals Thursday night.
"We let them off the ropes," coach Joel Walton said. "Missing nine serves in game two. Just not being able to sustain pressure on them. If we serve a little bit better in game two we possibly win it."
This was the first time in its last four matches that Penn State did not sweep Ball State. The Cardinals also forced a fifth game against the Nittany Lions for the first time since the 2006 season.
Ball State won game one in route in part by Penn State committing nine service errors. Ball State fell into the same trap, committing nine service errors of its own in game two.
"For them, game one they were trying to find their rhythm," Walton said. "For us game two maybe a lack of focus."
After wining game three, Penn State appeared to heading to a win in game four breaking out to a 20-14 lead. However, Ball State closed out game four on a 16-6 run to force a fifth game.
"One big play could change the momentum just like that," outside attacker Larry Wrather said. "So when they got a big momentum swing, we just have to calm down and take it back."
Penn State opened game five with a 5-1 run.
"Penn State came out with a little more fire in that game," setter Ethan Pheister said. "The fifth game is so short it's really important how you start. Unfortunately we won't be able to overcome that."
Penn State sealed the match with a 15-10 win in game five.
"It's as close as I've ever been to beating Penn State as I've ever been," Pheister said, after his ninth match against the school. "Hats off to Penn State, they made the plays that we failed to make."
Wrather led the Cardinals in kills for the match with 19 — with six kills in game one alone.
"Larry Wrather's done a real nice job these last couple of weeks," Walton said. "He's making himself known and I think playing with a lot of energy and passion. That rubs off with the team."
Penn State's All-American outside attacker Will Price led all players in the match with 22 kills.
Outside attacker Eric Schulte scored 13 kills on the night, while playing the first three games as outside attacker. Jamion Hartley replaced him in game four.
Middle attacker J.D. Gasparovic also had 13 kills on the night.
"I believe in this team now," Walton said. "I'm starting to see the kind of play that I need to see out of this group. Now they need to start understanding that, playing with more confidence and feeling that they will make plays."
Ball State (13-9, 4-4 Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association) plays a crucial conference match at IPFW Saturday night.
"Every remaining conference match that have is very important," Walton said. "We have four remaining matches and each one of those is going to determine where stand in our final conference standings."
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
