Seniors provide leadership, strong defense in team's opening weekend

Those six seniors showed their leadership and defensive abilities in the first weekend of the season, leading the Cardinals to a 3-0 record and a championship in the Active Ankle Challenge.

"In the fifth set we've always had a senior in the back keeping everyone calm and focused on the match," outside hitter Alex Fuelling said. "It has helped the younger players a lot in the pressure situations."

Fuelling, the tournament's Most Valuable Performer, helped guide Ball State to two five-set victories over the weekend. 

She carried the team with 17 kills and 15 digs in the final match of the weekend, a comeback win over New Mexico. Fuelling helped anchor a defense that held its opponents to an average .170 attack percentage through three matches.

Five Cardinals already have 25 or more digs this season, with defensive specialist Kati Vasalakis leading the way with 67. Vasalakis is followed by Fuelling with 42 digs, Jenna Spadafora at 32 and Marissa Hine at 27.

"The seniors know that they are leaders out on the court and know they need to play like seniors," head coach Steve Shondell said. "They have done just that so far this season."

The defense has made things tough for opponents at the net as well. Middle blocker Kelly Hopkins said defense starts with communication.

"We have been working with a mental skills coach recently, who has helped us really eliminate unnecessary words when we are out on the court," Hopkins said. "We've been able to talk more effectively to each other and it has really helped us [seniors] lead on the court."

Ball State has recorded 31.5 total blocks this season, an impressive number compared to its opponents' 24. Hopkins and sophomore Jessica Lindsey lead the team with 11 block assists and 1 solo block apiece.

The team's early success has been a result of a next-point mentality no matter what.

"We know we can be shaky when first coming out against a new opponent, especially at the beginning of the season," setter Jenna Spadafora said. "We've decided to think of the match point by point which keeps you focused forward, and never lets you think about a mistake you might have just made." 

Ball State will put its undefeated record to the test as it travels for seven straight road matches. Shondell said experience will be key in carrying over early success.

"The seniors know how to play on the road—they've done it a lot in the past and actually like it," Shondell said. "They know it makes them better playing these tough teams, and they want to get better."

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