Freshman middle hitter Sydnee VanBeek hits the ball during Ball State's game against Western Michigan on Nov. 11. Ball State won 3-1. Kara Berg // DN
SPORTS

Strong defense leads Cardinals to 3-1 win over Western Michigan

Tied 4-4 early in the fourth set, senior outside hitter Mackenzie Kitchel’s block at the net got the Ball State Cardinals fired up after losing the previous set 25-12. After that block, the Cardinals would never trail in the match again and went on runs of 6-0 and 7-0 to defeat Western Michigan 3-1 (25-21, 25-18, 12-25, 25-14).