Laughter echoed through Worthen Arena on Wednesday morning as senior defensive specialist Hannah Sullivan tipped a set from junior setter Brittany McGinnis over the top of the net.
Rather than a sense tension and pressure in the atmosphere, coach Steve Shondell and his staff kept the mood light. Sullivan remarked that she wasn't a middle hitter. Shondell responded with a joke.
The pressures of playing for the right to call themselves Mid-American Conference champions didn't seem to take a toll, and that's the way Shondell wants it.
"It's just another game," he said. "They're all equally important."
Not every game is equally meaningful, however.
For as many big matches Ball State has had in 2010, tonight's against Toledo could be the biggest. A win clinches the top seed in the MAC Tournament and regular season MAC title.
"You start getting into problems when outside factors start getting in your mind," Shondell said. "We don't even address things that could lead to distractions."
Toledo is a dangerous team. The Rockets took the Cardinals to five sets earlier this season. They beat Western Michigan and Northern Illinois two weeks ago.
"It's good to have challenges like this," freshman outside hitter Whitney Heeres said. "Nothing is going to be easy from here on out. Everyone is out to get us, and this kind of match will help us get ready for the MAC Tournament."
The Cardinals can find comfort in playing at home. Ball State's last home loss was in five sets to Eastern Michigan on Nov. 6, 2009.
"Playing at home really helps," senior libero Alyssa Rio said. "The fans have been great this year and have helped us perform better. I can tell it's louder and feel the energy during matches."
The Rockets gave the Cardinals a difficult time earlier this season with their up-tempo offense. Ball State wasn't able to get a good block on the ball until the match's critical moments.
"They killed us with their slide attacks last time," Rio said. "The best way to stop them is by blocking or digging the ball. I'm definitely coming into the match with the mindset that nothing is touching the floor."
As for the potential outright MAC championship, Shondell said it's just something long overdue for Rio and the seniors.
"This couldn't have happened to a better group of girls," he said. "They've all waited a long time for it.
"This is the volleyball capital of the Midwest. It'll be great to get that banner."
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