Taking care of business isn't always as easy as it may seem; going on the road, playing on a foreign court without the benefit of sleeping in your own bed and having to play three times within 24 hours all present a unique challenge.
Despite this challenge, the Ball State University women's volleyball team did take care of business over the weekend, sweeping three opponents in three sets each to win the Best Western Indiana State University Classic.
"The team showed how much they wanted to win. The girls stayed focused and driven," coach Dave Boos said. "We never allowed any team to challenge us, even in the closer sets."
Friday afternoon, Ball State (5-4) took to the court and dominated Chicago State University (0-9). Ball State made short work of the independent school, winning 25-8, 25-10, 25-12. Sophomore middle hitter Jennifer Boyd led the way offensively with 10 kills while hitting at a .750 clip. Alisha Green chipped in nine kills of her own.
Saturday morning saw Ball State defeat Eastern Illinois University (6-6) 25-14, 25-22, 25-17 in another stout offensive effort. Green smashed 12 kills and came up with three solo blocks on the defensive end.
"Our physicality and athleticism overwhelmed the other teams," Boos said. "We were able to take advantage at the net."
Adding to the physical-style play of the Cardinals was Kelsey Brandl. Brandl, listed at 6-foot-4, came off the bench and played the middle hitter position to add even more height to the lineup. A direct result was a few blocks and kills for Brandl.
"We were able to get into a lot of good situations. The blockers disrupted the other teams' hitters, making people hit shots they don't want to hit," Boos said. "It was a collective team effort though. Everyone found ways to contribute."
The final leg of the sweep came Saturday evening when Ball State faced off with tournament host Indiana State (3-7).An early 6-2 lead in the first set shrank midway through the set, but a service error and a Julie Breivogel kill jump started the offense for the Cardinals. From there, it was more Breivogel and Green leading the Cardinals en route to a first set victory, 25-19.
"The final game was nothing out of the ordinary," Boos said. "There was a small crowd and we never let them get into it. We took control early and kept momentum on our side all the way."
Ball State also took the second and third set 25-18, 25-20. Charde' Phillips blasted 16 kills and hit a career high .696 to lead the offense.
Three Cardinals were named to the All-Tournament Team. Libero Kaylee Schembra, Phillips and Green took the honors. Green was named the tournament's most valuable player.
"Alisha was definitely a solid performer for us. She played well and, at times, spectacularly," Boos said. "Charde' is stepping up to a whole new level and finding ways to get things done."
Time is short for the Cardinals to prepare for their next match. Ball State returns to action at 7 p.m. Tuesday night against IUPUI (8-1) in Indianapolis.
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