Now 2-0, Ball State will continue MAC play this week

Junior outside hitter Sabrina Mangapora celebrates after a score at the game against IUPUI on Aug. 31 at John E. Worthen Arena. Kyle Crawford // DN
Junior outside hitter Sabrina Mangapora celebrates after a score at the game against IUPUI on Aug. 31 at John E. Worthen Arena. Kyle Crawford // DN

Ball State team leaders

Kills: Sabrina Mangapora, 198 (3.05 kills per set)

Assists: Amber Seaman, 620 (9.25 assists per set)

Digs: Kate Avila, 271 (4.04 digs per set)

Blocks: Avery Devoe, 46 (0.88 blocks per set)

Aided by the home crowd in Worthen Arena, the Ball State women’s volleyball is undefeated in Mid-American Conference play after picking up a pair of wins this weekend.

With victories over Central Michigan on Friday and Eastern Michigan on Saturday, head coach Kelli Miller said her team is right where they want to be.

"Overall, we played well," Miller said. "We were passing well and our defense played really well. It's a great way to start off the MAC.”

The Cardinals traded many points, but won both matches in five close sets. Using a complete team effort, nearly Ball State’s entire roster contributed to their second win of the weekend against Central Michigan.

Ball State finished with a .178 attack percentage against Central Michigan, while having several players contribute to the victory. Although the team found success this weekend, Miller is always looking for improvement.

“The big thing we’ll take away from the weekend is that when we’re giving up big amounts of points, we have to work to get out of that faster,” she said.

With two wins under its belt, Ball State holds the No. 1 ranking in the MAC right now. Miller has kept her team’s focus on consistency all season and has no intentions of stopping while ahead.

“Our consistency is one thing we’re going to have to work a little bit harder at,” Miller said. “We had our moments of consistency, but we’re going to have to be more consistent especially competing in the MAC when games get a lot tougher.”

The Cardinals are looking for another home victory over Toledo Thursday. Last season under former head coach Steve Shondell, Ball State won a five-set match on the road.

Toledo, which limited Ball State to a .147 attack percentage last meeting, will test the Cardinal’s offense. Miller and her team will continue to stay consistent with their offense and defense as they face another MAC opponent.

“I expect them to continue to perform how they have been this weekend and focus on keeping their consistency,” Miller said. "We'll be battling this week in hopes of doing it all over again."

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