As Ball State's goals evolve to the Mid-American Conference schedule, errors have still been an issue on the road.
But the Cardinals (9-8) will have two weeks back in Worthen Arena before it has to travel again, and coach Steve Shondell said he expects the team to improve in those areas with more experience.
Shondell said Central Michigan (9-6) will flash a fast paced offense similar to what Northern Illinois did to give Ball State fits last weekend. The passing is quick, and Central Michigan will be using quick sets to its outside hitters, he said.
"We're working hard on that, trying to defend that fast ball to the outside," Shondell said. "We'll be a lot better prepared for it this time. I didn't realize that Northern Illinois could be that effective running that."
Much of that improvement will come with the Ball State front row players. Practice this week has focused on improving the first step to get to the block quicker and help defend the faster paced set.
The MAC West Division becomes a huge key for Ball State for the rest of the season, so it can first clinch and focus on seeding. Both opponents this weekend will be MAC West representatives.
"For us to beat Central Michigan, we are going to have to come out and be on top of our game," Shondell said. "Both nights, Eastern Michigan, too. Every MAC West opponent, if you're not ready to play you're going to get beat."
Ball State has struggled this season when it has gotten behind in the start of matches. Ball State lost its first set against Western Michigan 25-11 before eventually fighting to a fourth set.
Junior libero Catie Fredrich said it's more about treating every set like it's the same whether it's the first or the fifth.
"Being at Western Michigan was a big lesson for our team," Fredrich said. "Every [set] you have to take seriously. You have to play every [set] as if it's the first set."
One of the biggest reason the Cardinals have started so slowly last weekend is because of the number of service errors the team made. Shondell said he doesn't expect to have any more issues with it because it's something his players have shown for much of the season they are capable of doing better.
Junior outside hitter Kylee Baker will not play again this weekend, and Shondell said she is out indefinitely. Freshman outside hitter Jenna Spadafora will continue to get an expanded role in the offensive flow in Baker's place.
Ball State plays Central Michigan at Worthen Arena at 7 p.m. Friday.
Shondell said it was important to continue to protect the home court because of how difficult it will be winning on the road this year.
"We know that they're very significant matches at home," Shondell said. "I just want to go out and compete and play like we can. If we do, then we are capable of winning these matches."
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