Don't let the coaches fool you. They're saying all the right things. Their teams are taking it one match at a time, one point at a time.
At some point, that talk will stop. There's too much on the line.
The balance of power in the Mid-American Conference is at stake this weekend when the Ball State women's volleyball team hosts Northern Illinois and Western Michigan. The three volleyball teams are vying for one honor — the MAC title.
"The MAC championship won't be decided this weekend, but it will go a long way to help determine it," Ball State coach Steve Shondell said. "There will still be six tough matches after it, but the girls realize the season is winding down and who we're playing.
"We're playing two great teams. It's all the motivation we need."
A win for Northern Illinois puts them in the driver seat for the top seed in next month's MAC Tournament. Ball State claims control of its own destiny with a pair of wins.
"The weekend is huge because Ball State is undefeated at home," Northern Illinois coach Ray Gooden said. "We're excited for it. It's going to be tough, but we can't get to Ball State until we get through Toledo on Friday night."
The Huskies are similar to the Cardinals. Both teams are young and have grown from 2009 seasons that didn't meet their standards. Hopes have changed with successful records in 2010.
New expectations come with battling for first place, something neither team's players have done before.
"I'm excited for this. I've been preparing for this all my life," senior libero Alyssa Rio said. "I'm used to pressure and big games from club [volleyball]. I just feed off the nerves and excitement."
The Broncos, on the other hand, have been here before. Western Michigan has battled Ohio over the years for seeding in the MAC Tournament and NCAA Tournament berths.
Despite Western Michigan's experience, Ball State and Northern Illinois could have an advantage. The Cardinals and Huskies are hungry to experience a MAC West title and make the NCAA Tournament.
"You could say every week is a must win with all the MAC West teams that are doing things to be successful," Gooden said. "It's not a must win for us. We just owe Ball State a good match."
Even with Ball State's success, the pressure has not mounted. Whether the trend continues this weekend remains to be seen.
The MAC may only get one berth into the NCAA Tournament. With multiple MAC West teams over 20 wins, this weekend will likely be the stepping stone toward an NCAA bid for Northern Illinois, Western Michigan or Ball State.
"We have no pressure except the pressure we put on ourselves," junior middle blocker Kelsey Brandl said. "Northern Illinois has pressure to stay on top, and Western Michigan has pressure to get back to the top after being successful the last several years."
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
