Having beaten Ohio State University once, the Ball State University men's volleyball said it's trying to prove to everyone the first time wasn't a fluke.
The No. 4 seed Ball State plays No. 1 seed Ohio State in the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association Tournament semi-finals at 7:30 p.m. in Columbus, Ohio.
"The expectation from most people is that Ohio State should win," coach Joel Walton said. "Within our team and staff there is pressure because we are capable of winning the match."
Ball State and Ohio State split the season series 1-1. The Buckeyes won in four games March 9, and the Cardinals won in four games in its final regular season conference match April 13.
Walton said most people considered Ball State's win against Ohio State a fluke because prior to the match, the Buckeyes had clinched the No. 1 seed, and it didn't affect the tournament seeding.
"It has to be more motivation for our team to prove to people that beating Ohio State wasn't a fluke," Walton said. "The only way to prove it wasn't a fluke is to beat them in their place in MIVA semi-finals."
Senior outside attacker Nick Meyer said the win against Ohio State gives the Cardinals a mental edge heading into tonight's match.
"It puts something in [Ohio State's] mind knowing that we beat them, and it says we can play with them," Meyer said. "It's something for them to think about and not take us lightly."
Ohio State is undefeated in 16 home matches this season and sixth in the national rankings.
Ball State is winless in seven road matches against nationally ranked teams
"It's exciting to go in and play a good team at their house," Meyer said. "Playing the role of underdog always makes the win that much better because if you don't win, you weren't expected to."
This is the ninth consecutive season the Cardinals reached the MIVA semi-finals.
Since 1999, Ball State is 2-6 in conference semi-finals, including four losses to Ohio State.
The Cardinals have won 14 MIVA Tournaments with the last championship in 2002.
"With our program, it's not a successful season unless we get to the NCAA Tournament," Walton said. "That's the measuring stick for this program. That's just what the Ball State program is about. Year in, year out, we are a championship contender."
In its most recent match against Ohio State, Ball State had three players with 10 or more kills. The Cardinals out-killed the Buckeyes 61-58, and outside attacker Todd Chamberlain had a match-high 20 kills.
Walton said Ohio State will focus on Meyer, Chamberlain and middle attacker Matt McCarthy. He said middle attacker Ryan Clarke and outside attacker Justin Orr need to step up offensively.
"We would like to run our offense differently and diversify more," Walton said. "We want to pass well enough so Ryan becomes a threat, and as far as Orr goes, he is the same way. Orr is really good when he gets a ball near the net."
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