The end of the road is near for the Ball State women'svolleyball team. Well, at least the for now. The Cardinals concludetheir season-opening 11-match road trip Tuesday night inIndianapolis as they face IUPUI.
Ball State goes into the match after losing all three of itsmatches at the Pittsburgh Invitational this past weekend to move to3-7 on the season. The team's rigorous schedule so far this seasonmay cause some problems for the Cards said head coach RandyLitchfield.
"I believe that we should have some physical difficulties," hesaid. "We've got to be tired, and we have a lot of health issues. Ido hope that we are mentally and emotionally ready to go."
Even though the Cardinals have never lost to the Jaguars,Litchfield says that they are not a team to overlook.
"They're a good team," he said. "Since going Division I they'vegotten better and better. If we play mediocre volleyball, we willget beat."
A lot of how Ball State performs against IUPUI rides on gettingredshirt freshman outside attacker Stephanie Bacan back at fullstrength. Bacan has been slowed this season by a nagging injury toher right knee.
"Hopefully Steph Bacan can go for us," Litchfield said. "She hasbecome a huge key for this team because she is such a greatoffensive presence."
After the match with IUPUI, the Cardinals can enjoy more than aweek off before their next match. The upcoming break is no reasonfor the team to take it easy against the Jaguars, though, saidLitchfield.
"I keep feeling like we need to be tested and to pass a test,"Litchfield said. "I hope that there is some anger and desperationin our game. Win, lose or draw, if I see an edge about us, I'll bepretty happy about it."
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