Denmark's return sparks Cardinals to straight-set win
The men's volleyball team welcomed the return of senior middle hitter Matt Denmark Saturday, shaking off a sub-par first set to sweep Quincy 30-25, 30-15, 30-26 at Worthen Arena.
Denmark, who missed last Saturday's loss to Lewis after being in an auto accident, had been doubtful all week. After sitting out the first set, he tallied seven kills and three blocks to help No. 10 Ball State improve to 7-2 overall and 2-1 in MIVA play.
"It was day-to-day (with Matt), and we practiced all week like we wouldn't have him," head coach Joel Wal-ton said. "He told me during warm-ups that he was ready. I thought it'd be good to get him out there in the second set."
The Cardinals struggled in set one, hitting just .081 and never leading by more than five before holding on. How-ever, a 15-2 run in the second set put them comfortably ahead, 24-10.
"It just seemed we had some lingering reservations, we played tentatively in the first set," Walton said. "In the second set we got some rhythm going."
Quincy (4-4, 2-2) held an early lead in set three, but a 7-1 Cardinal run put the home team up 18-13 and gave it the lead for good. Denmark teamed with Jary Delgado for a match-ending block.
"It was great to have Matt back on the court," Walton said. "He brings an awful lot, both in play and emotion."
Ball State hit .265 compared to Quincy's .122. Senior outside hitters Josh Zuidema and Kyle Weindel racked up 13 and 11 kills, respectively, for the Cards. Juniors Delgado (15 digs) and middle hitter Amitai Sasson (.583 hitting percentage) added eight apiece. Junior setter Keith Schunzel handed out 48 assists.
The Cardinals return to MIVA action tonight at 7 p.m., when Findlay visits Muncie.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
