Ball State Men’s Volleyball (17-2, 9-1 MIVA) earned its eighth road win of the season March 26 by sweeping Lindenwood (8-8, 4-5 MIVA) in three sets by scores of 25-23, 25-13 and 25-23 respectively. The Cardinals’ eight road wins are the most from the program since 2016.
“I think it's a little bit more about our overall progression, where we're at in the season [and] being able to play well regardless of being at home or on the road,” head coach Donan Cruz said. “I think it is critical of the kind of style of volleyball we're playing at this point. It's been nice to be able to see the guys find some success and play better volleyball as the season keeps going on.”
Senior outside attacker Kaleb Jenness and graduate student opposite hitter Angelos Mandilaris continued their attacking partnership, combining for 23 of Ball State’s 37 kills.
Graduate student setter Quinn Isaacson contributed a team-high 31 assists while graduate student middle blocker Will Hippe and senior middle blocker Felix Egharevba tallied nine total blocks together.
“We just wanted to not force anything,” Cruz said. “The goal was to try to play clean and simple volleyball and that in itself will create pressure on the opponent's side. I thought our guys did well.”
Senior middle blocker Feliz Egharevba (left) goes to hit a ball set to him by graduate student setter Quinn Isaacson (right) in a game against Ohio St. March 19 at Worthen Arena. Egharevba had five kills during the game. Amber Pietz, DN
It was another successful night of hitting for the Cardinals who had a .346 hitting percentage compared to the Lions’ .165. Ball State is averaging .358 on the season, second only to UCLA (15-3, 5-1 MPSF) with .359.
With only five games left in the regular season, Cruz said Ball State is focused on playing its best volleyball through the rest of the season and into the postseason.
“I think that guys are enjoying every moment and having fun along the ride,” Cruz said. “I think our guys are feeling good that we're entering the month of April with a really good rhythm of how we're playing volleyball.”
Ball State returns home for its next matchup, hosting McKendree University (12-8, 7-3 MIVA) in Worthen Arena March 31 at 7 p.m.
Contact Daniel Kehn with comments at daniel.kehn@bsu.edu or on Twitter @daniel_kehn.
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