The Ball State women's volleyball team hasn't played a home match since Aug. 30, a stretch of 12 straight on the road.
At one point, the Cardinals lost five consecutive matches, three without even managing to take a set.
Wins over IPFW, East Tennessee State and Virginia would help salvage what turned out to be a pretty respectable 5-7 record during that span.
Ball State will finally get the opportunity to protect its home court again this weekend, when Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan invade Worthen Arena on Oct. 3 and Oct. 4 respectively.
“They’ll be two tough matches, but that’s the way it’s going to be all season,” head coach Steve Shondell said. “There’s not going to be any easy wins in the [Mid-American Conference] this year. There’s 12 really good ball clubs ... Every match is going to be exciting, whether it’s at home or on the road.”
With 14 matches, eight at home and six away, remaining before the conference tournament, the Cardinals (1-1) find themselves in a four-way tie for second place in the west division.
Two of the three teams with which Ball State is tied are coincidentally the next two on its schedule in Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan.
Everyone in the division is chasing Northern Illinois, who defeated Ball State on Sept. 27, but with so many games left to play in conference, the current half game deficit is minimal.
The Cardinals will have an opportunity to avenge their loss to the Huskies in late October, but an Eagles team at 10-6 won't be an easy task either.
Shondell expects a competitive match Friday night, saying the matches with Eastern Michigan are always competitive, a result of both teams playing hard.
The very next day, Ball State welcomes a surging Central Michigan squad at 6-8 overall.
After beginning the season with six consecutive losses, the Chippewas have been one of the hottest teams in the MAC, winning six of eight.
Shondell said this week in practice he plans to focus on the team's defense, passing and serve reception, while looking to build off the recent offensive performances.
Either way, the Cardinals are just looking forward to being back in Muncie.
“I think our team will really embrace the opportunity to play back at Worthen Arena in front of the hometown fans,” Shondell said.
It is always good to be home.
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