Sometimes the most difficult thing to do is take care of business. Ball State could have been the victim of an upset with the biggest home-stand in years looming next week.
The Ball State women's volleyball team avoided the trap against Bowling Green. The Cardinals dominated, in what was another impressive offensive effort, sweeping the Falcons 25-21, 25-19, 25-12.
"Right now we're playing our best v-ball of season," coach Steve Shondell said. "Going on road and beating two teams is a tribute to how well our team is playing. The coaching staff is extremely happy with the improvement from the start of the season."
With the win, Ball State improves to 18-4, 8-2 on the season. The eight wins top last season's win total in the Mid-American Conference and set up first-place battle with Western Michigan and Northern Illinois on Friday and Saturday night at Worthern Arena.
Freshman outside hitter Whitney Heeres, who's status was in question after getting sick on the way to Bowling Green, led the Ball State offense on a second consecutive night. Heeres recorded 16 kills as Ball State finished the match hitting .308. Friday night Ball State hit .367 in a sweep over Miami.
"When we're playing great defense we're able to follow through and have our offense clicking," junior setter Brittany McGinnis said. "With our experience in the front row it helps a lot."
Junior middle blocker Kelsey Brandl and freshman outside hitter Kylee Baker added nine kills in the win. Meanwhile, McGinnis posted a double-double with 35 assists and 10 digs. She also registered two kills.
Even senior libero Alyssa Rio got into the act. Rio, who notched 10 digs, also recorded two kills, including the final point of the match.
Reserves Claire Farkas, Alexis Shonkwiler, and Kaylee Schembra all saw action in the final set.
"Everyone works hard and deserves time on the floor," Shondell said. "We can't always get everyone in with the substitution rules and closeness of the matches recently. It's just tough to do, but I like getting as many people in as possible."
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