Two of the Mid-American Conference's best teams stand in the way of Ball State's postseason hopes in a must-win scenario this weekend for the Cardinals.
Ball State is tied with Buffalo for last in the MAC standings with two points. Picking up wins over the final three games is the only shot the Cardinals have of advancing to the conference tournament.
The team plays at home against Eastern Michigan on Friday and Central Michigan on Sunday. Both opponents are undefeated in conference play with records of 5-0-3 and 8-0-0, respectively.
"I think both will be good games. We just need to focus on not making small mistakes," freshman defender Kelsey Shapiro said. "If we fix those, we can compete."
Coach Craig Roberts said fundamental errors cost the Cardinals in their last match. Ball State started quickly against Kent State but gave up four unanswered goals in the loss.
Scoring first hasn't been the Cardinals strong suit. Opponents opened the scoring in seven of their eight MAC games this year.
"We can't go in expecting to go a goal down and then react," Roberts said. "We have to take the game to them. It is still a habit that needs to be nurtured."
Ball State's competition doesn't get any easier after this weekend. The team rounds out regular season play against first-place Toledo.
One advantage the Cardinals may have is they don't look at the bigger picture. Roberts said the team worries about what they can do better, rather than focusing on their opponents.
"It's about building on our own performance, not about evaluation other teams," he said. "We can compete with any team in the MAC if we practice and play to our full potential."
Read More
ALTOBELLA: The NCAA men’s volleyball tournament must expand for the sport’s sake
By Adam Altobella / 4 hours agoFourteen of the 20 teams ranked in the final National Collegiate men’s volleyball poll did not earn a spot in the NCAA tournament field, including Ball State.
Baseball defeats Butler at home
By Staff Reports / 22 hours agoComing off a Mid-American Conference (MAC) series win, Ball State Baseball continued to shine in its mid-week matchup against Butler.
'We're in a really, really good spot:' Ball State softball prepares for the MAC Tournament
By Zach Carter / YesterdayBall State will face Western Michigan in the Cardinals first contest in the Mid-American Conference. The Broncos are the only team the red and black did not face in the regular season.
