Senior middle hitter Kelly Hopkins and freshman outside hitter Jessica Lindsey jump up to block a ball from opponent Eastern Michigan on Oct. 3 at Worthen Arena. DN PHOTO SAMANTHA BRAMMER
SPORTS

WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL: Hopkins embraces expanded role

In late match situations, the outcome usually comes down to one or two crucial plays. Being in the right place at the right time can sometimes be enough, but for Ball State women's volleyball player Kelly Hopkins, her play has gone beyond just luck.



Junior opposite hitter Kelly Hopkins hits the ball across the net against Central Michigan on Nov. 1 at Worthen Arena. Hopkins had eight kills. DN PHOTO BREANNA DAUGHERTY
SPORTS

Women's volleyball team travels to Dayton

The Ball State women’s volleyball team continues its spring slate of exhibition matches Tuesday when it takes on Dayton.The team has already taken on Purdue, and went to Indianapolis last weekend to participate in the Circle City Spring Tournament.The spring matches give younger and less experienced players a chance to show head coach Steve Shondell how much they’ve improved over the offseason.It also gives him a chance to incorporate new plays and different strategies into his offense and defense.Several starting positions are up for grabs after Ball State graduated five seniors who all played vital roles last season.Middle blockers Kelly Hopkins, Lauren Gross and Amanda Raker are looking to fill in an empty spot left by Mindy Marx, while Sabrina Magnapora will look to replace some of the lost offense that was provided by outside hitter Kylee Baker.The match begins at 6 p.m.



Sophomore outside attacker Marcin Niemczweski hits the ball over the net during the match against Mount Olive on March 1 at Worthen Arena. DN PHOTO BREANNA DAUGHERTY
SPORTS

MEN'S VOLLEYBALL: Cardinals drop five-set thriller to Lewis

Ball State dropped its match against Lewis on Saturday night in five sets, falling 25-22, 25-21, 19-25, 23-25 and 13-15. It’s the second time in three days that the Cardinals have blown a two-set lead, the first time coming against Loyola on Thursday night. Outside attackers Marcin Niemczewski and Matt Sutherland led the way offensively for Ball State, putting up 15 and 13 kills, respectively, while middle attacker Matt Leske added 12. The Cardinals hit .232 on the night and finished with 64 kills.


Senior middle attacker Kevin Owens and junior outside attacker Shane Witmer try to block the ball in the third set against Ohio State on March 23 at Worthen Arena. DN PHOTO BREANNA DAUGHERTY
SPORTS

MEN'S VOLLEYBALL: Ball State falls to Loyola in five sets

The Ball State men’s volleyball team fell to Loyola Thursday night in five sets, losing 25-23, 25-23, 16-25, 22-25, 14-16. The Cardinals were led offensively by outside attacker Shane Witmer and middle attacker Kevin Owens, who each had 12 of their team’s 54 kills. Middle attacker Matt Leske had Ball State’s only solo block, and led the team in assisted blocks with eight. Libero David Ryan Vander Meer finished with a team-high 14 digs with setter Graham McIlvaine being second with eight. The win breaks a 10-match win streak for Ball State, who falls to 17-6 overall and 6-3 in the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association. The Cardinals will be back at 7:30 Saturday night in Worthen Arena to face Lewis.


Senior middle attacker Kevin Owens high fives senior setter Graham McIlvaine after getting a kill in the third set against Ohio State on March 23 at Worthen Arena. Owens had sixteen kills. DN PHOTO BREANNA DAUGHERTY
SPORTS

MEN'S VOLLEYBALL: Cardinals put win streak on the line

The Ball State men’s volleyball team takes to the road to face No. 1 Loyola Thursday night. Riding a 10-match win streak, the Cardinals are offensively led by outside attacker Marcin Niemczewski, who leads the team with 258 kills. It’s the first road match in over a month for Ball State, who last played away from Worthen Arena on February 26. The last time the teams met, Loyola walked away with a 3-1 win despite Niemczewski’s 16 kills, establishing itself on the top of the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association. Ball State currently sits at 17-5 overall and 6-2 in the MIVA as the final few weeks of the season. The match begins at 8 p.m.







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