Women's volleyball falls to IU in fifth set

<p>Senior outside hitter Ellie Dunn spikes the volleyball over the net during the first set against North Dakota State University Friday, Sept.7, 2018 at Worthen Arena. Dunn had 18 kills overall. <strong>Rebecca Slezak,DN</strong></p>

Senior outside hitter Ellie Dunn spikes the volleyball over the net during the first set against North Dakota State University Friday, Sept.7, 2018 at Worthen Arena. Dunn had 18 kills overall. Rebecca Slezak,DN

Ball State Women’s Volleyball (5-4, 0-0 MAC)  concluded the Active Ankle Challenge with a hard-fought defeat against in-state rival, Indiana (6-2, 0-0 Big 10).  

The Cardinals finished the weekend going 1-2 overall. Indiana won in a five set series topping the Cardinals 15-13 in the final set.

Head coach Kelli Miller was frustrated with the loss but proud of her team’s tenacity to not give up. Miller found it difficult to cope with the gung-ho Hoosiers attack. The Hoosiers finished with 78 kills at a .282 rate. 

“We did a great job battling back," Miller said. "In the end, it was just a two point swing overall.”  

The Hoosiers started off strong with a 25-16 win in set one.  On the Cardinal side, freshman Reece Kral led the team with four kills.

The second set was a close affair with seven total lead changes.  Senior Ellie Dunn commanded the attack for the Cardinals with seven kills and a .368 conversion rate.  The Cardinals also had 19 digs and doubled the Hoosier’s blocks on the defensive side.  Creating themselves a win in set two.

Cardinals Libero Kate Aliva had an outstanding showcase in the third set.  The junior rounded off eight crucial digs in an all-star defensive showing that led her team up 2-1 against the Hoosiers.  The Cardinals limited the Hoosiers to a .191 success attack rate in the third set.

By the fourth set, there were eight separate occurrences when the score was tied.  The Hoosiers captured the lead after their 21st point and didn't look back. The Hoosiers continued their form and finished off the Cardinals in the fifth and final set.

“We learned a lesson tonight but also we have gained confidence from this match," Aliva said. Coming off if this match, were going to carry that confidence forward." 

The Cardinals will host the IUPUI Jaguars on Tuesday at home at 7 P.M.

Contact Tyler Pence with any comments at tapence@bsu.edu

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