Ball State's offense has been potent with freshmen outside hitters Kylee Baker and Whitney Heeres. Factor in junior middle blocker Kelsey Brandl as a third option, and Ball State becomes dangerous.
So when Jennifer Boyd made her presence felt over the weekend, Ball State's offense was almost unstoppable.
"Jennifer was the real secret for us Friday night," coach Steve Shondell said. "She's playing the best volleyball of her life."
Boyd notched 16 kills in Ball State's first win against Western Michigan since 2006. She followed that performance with nine kills against Northern Illinois the next night.
Boyd has 156 kills this season, including 46 in the past three weeks.
Junior setter Brittany McGinnis credited Boyd for being unselfish. McGinnis said Boyd has opened opportunities for other players, such as Baker and Heeres.
"Finding players like Jen opens up other hitters for us," McGinnis said. "It helps us find an offensive rhythm. Now Jen and I are finding our rhythm, and you're seeing that pay off."
Coaches believe the junior middle blocker always had the potential to be a force. As a freshman, Boyd collected 206 kills. She wasn't a third or even fourth option on that team but still received Mid-American Conference All-Freshman honors.
Boyd's role diminished last season. Despite limited time on the floor, though, she still managed to record 160 kills in 2009.
"I lost confidence last year," Boyd said. "I didn't feel like I had the coach's confidence. I didn't get time to work with [then-coach Dave Boos] like I did my freshman year."
After Shondell took over in April, that all changed.
Shondell, known for his success at the high school level, seems to have restored Boyd's confidence. He's worked with Boyd and helped her adjust to her move from the middle to the right side.
"I always knew Jen had it in her," Shondell said. "We just needed to put her in position to do it. She wants the ball."
Shondell said other players are noticing Boyd's improved play as well.
"Brittany is getting more confidence in her and giving her the ball more and more," Shondell said. "It's great to see."
The timing couldn't be better. Boyd's offense will be needed as the season winds down and Ball State makes its push toward a MAC regular season championship.
"Steve gives us all confidence," Boyd said. "All the girls love him, respect him and want to play for him. The last couple weeks I've been wanting to rip balls down the line and become an even better asset for this team.
"I just want to get after it and get kills."
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