Ball State University
3-2
Wyoming
6-0
Volleyball Drops Tough 3-1 Match At Wyoming
September 06, 2014 | Women's Volleyball
LARAMIE, Wyo. - - The Ball State women's volleyball team ended the opening day of the UniWyo Cowgirl Classic with a 3-1 (25-16, 20-25, 25-18, 25-21) setback to host Wyoming Friday evening at the UniWyo Sports Complex.
The Cardinals (3-2) struggled to find their offensive grove against the Cowgirls (6-0), hitting just .098 (47-34-132) for the contest. Wyoming, which had three players collect double-digit kills, connected for a .309 (54-16-123) rate of success on offense to remain undefeated on the year.
“Playing in front of a standing-room-only crowd was a great experience for our young team this evening,” Ball State head coach Steve Shondell said. “Wyoming is one of the most physical and athletic teams we will play all season and we gave them a tough battle from start to finish. We are gaining the experienced we need to prepare us for a very tough MAC schedule which begins in three weeks, and nothing replaces experience.”
For the second time on the day, redshirt junior middle hitter Hayley Benson (Hilliard, Ohio/Hilliard Bradley) led the Ball State offense by blasting nine kills and hitting .368 (9-2-19) against the Cowgirls. She also collected three blocks and a service ace in the match.
Following up her solid performance from the morning victory over Montana, freshman opposite Jessica Lindsey (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way East) added seven kills against Wyoming. Junior setter Jenna Spadafora (Fort Wayne, Ind./Carroll) and redshirt junior outside hitter Alex Fuelling (Decatur, Ind./Bellmont/Morehead State) also scored seven kills apiece for Ball State. Fuelling would also lead all defenders with 17 digs.
The opening set saw the teams play to an 8-8 stalemate before a five-point surge gave the hosts control of the scoreboard. Ball State would get no closer than four points the rest of the frame, dropping the set 25-16 on an attack error.
Ball State responded to the opening set loss by taking the momentum early in the second frame, as a kill from redshirt junior middle hitter Amanda Raker (Indianapolis, Ind./Perry Meridian/Butler) gave the Cardinals a 4-1 edge. After trailing by as many as six points, at 13-7, Wyoming would battle back within two at 21-19. Ball State would regain its momentum, however, scoring four of the final five points to win the set 25-20.
The teams played to a 9-9 deadlock in the third frame before the Cowgirls posted a four-point run to take the lead for good. The Cardinals drew within one point, at 16-15 after a Benson kill, but eventually dropped the set 25-18.
Wyoming looked poised to end the third set quickly, pulling ahead 16-9. With the help of three kills from Lindsey, however, the Cardinals battled back to tie the score at 17-17. Unfortunately, Wyoming scored eight of the final 12 points to win the set 25-21 and the match 3-1.
The Ball State women's volleyball team closes play in the UniWyo Cowgirl Classic at Noon ET / 10 a.m. MT Saturday, when it battles South Alabama.
For the most up-to-date news on Ball State women's volleyball, follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateWVB and @SteveShondell on Twitter.
- BallStateSports.com -
