With two wins to start the 2011 season, the maturation of a young Ball State men's volleyball team is showing up early.
Even with six sophomores and freshmen each on the roster, Ball State easily beat Lindenwood 25-23, 27-25, 25-22 in its season opening match on Friday.
On Saturday, the Cardinals took a 25-20, 17-25, 25-18, 25-14, 25-20 victory in their annual exhibition match against the Ball State alumni.
Redshirt freshman Tommy Rouse said the early wins were crucial for the team as building block for the remainder of the season.
"It's very important," Rouse said. "It sets up the rest of the season and lets fans know that we're ready to play and that we want to win."
Rouse is just one of the new faces that Ball State fans will see this season. After redshirting in 2010, Rouse was the starting libero against Lindenwood. He finished the match with a team-high 14 digs, a defensive performance coach Joel Walton called "very impressive."
Redshirt freshman Derek Menendez is in a similar position to Rouse. The 6-foot-5 middle attacker played in one set against Lindenwood, totaling three kills in his first collegiate match. He fared better against the Ball State alumni, finishing second on the team with eight kills.
Walton singled Rouse out as a young player who has played exceptionally well in his first two games.
"He's got to be on the floor and pick everybody up, not only with his play but also what he's doing vocally and how he's encouraging our team," he said. "I'm pleased that Tommy is making some plays already. They're not bad for a freshman out on the court."
Young mainstays such as sophomores Larry Wrather and Jamion Hartley have also played well to start the season.
Wrather and Hartley both had eight kills for Ball State against Lindenwood. Wrather tied for the match-high in blocks with three, while Hartley contributed three digs and a service ace.
Ball State's youth will continue to be tested throughout the year. Its next challenge comes Thursday as the team takes on Hawaii in the 17th Annual Outrigger Invitational in Honolulu.
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