Jennifer Boyd may not be the flashiest or most eye-popping player on the Ball State women's volleyball team, but she has been one of the most vital players in the Cardinals' 20-3 record.
With 21 starts in 23 matches and at least three kills in each contest, Boyd's consistency has been a weapon for Ball State this season. Coach Steve Shondell said he can trust Boyd to make plays on any given night.
"She's steady," Shondell said. "Jennifer is having an outstanding senior year and excellent conference season.
She's another player that gives you a pretty consistent effort every single weekend, and that's what makes her such a great player."
Boyd most recently proved her dependability in Ball State's win over Miami last Friday. As the team looked in every direction for an answer to its deficient offense, Boyd rose up to give a burst of offensive production.
She finished the match with 10 kills and a .333 success rate, which rates as a typical night for the senior middle blocker. Boyd ranks second on the team in attack percentage among middle blockers and outside hitters with a .304 average, trailing only senior middle blockers Kelsey Brandl, who owns a .348 mark.
But Boyd's focus isn't on herself. As one of Ball State's seniors and a team leader, she's making sure the Cardinals are on the right track to being successful in the postseason.
"I would definitely say we're on track to being ready for the MAC Tournament, and being ready to take out any and every team we meet in the MAC tournament," she said. "I wouldn't say we're at that point yet, but we're definitely heading on that track."
Ball State (20-3) will need Boyd to be her unfailing self as it heads out on the road to play Toledo (8-14) today.
Despite Toledo's substandard record, it narrowly defeated Miami 3-2 last Saturday, one day after Ball State had almost gone into a fifth set as well with Miami.
While Ball State took a 3-1 win against Toledo in it's conference season opening match last month, Shondell recognizes it.
"We had a war with them opening match of the MAC season, so its going to be a tough match as all matches are."
Ball State's second match against Toledo now opens up the second portion of the conference season, with the Cardinals playing many MAC teams for the second time around.
Senior setter Brittany McGinnis said she recognizes how important the rest of the season is for Ball State's postseason hopes.
"It's the most challenging part of our season," she said. "You scouted each other and you know everyone's tendencies, therefore, the game that was close before is going to be even closer this time."
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