Ball State University
3-2
Lipscomb
4-0
Despite Strong Start, Volleyball Falls At Lipscomb
September 04, 2015 | Women's Volleyball
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - The Ball State women's volleyball team won the first set, but could not hold off a strong Lipscomb squad in a 3-1 (24-26, 25-15, 25-16, 25-18) setback to open the Lipscomb Invitational Friday afternoon in Allen Arena.
The Cardinals (3-2) started the match strong, pulling out to a 22-15 advantage in the opening set. However, the Lady Bisons (4-0) proved why they received 18 points in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association Division I Top 25 Poll by rallying back to even the score at 24-24. Ball State answered with the final two points of the first set, but Lipscomb battled back to win the next three frames to take the match.
Freshman outside hitter Ellie Dunn (Sugar Grove, Ill./Kaneland) came up big in the opening set, putting down the frame-winning point, and finished the contest with career-highs of 10 kills and a .333 (10-2-24) attack percentage. She also turned in a strong effort at the net, collecting her first three career block assists.
Senior outside hitter Alex Fuelling (Decatur, Ind./Bellmont/Morehead State) led all players with 15 kills, while adding eight digs and a solo blocks. On defense, the Cardinals were paced by senior setter Jenna Spadafora (Fort Wayne, Ind./Carroll) who collected 15 digs to go along with 34 assists for her third assist/dig double-double of the season.
At the net, senior middle Amanda Raker (Indianapolis, Ind./Perry Meridian/Butler) led all players with a career-high seven total blocks (one solo and six assists). She also produced a season-high seven kills to end the match with 11 points.
Overall, Lipscomb was able to hold the Ball State offense to a .096 (42-29-135) attack percentage by shutting down the Cardinals' middle attack. The Lady Bisons on the other hand, finished the match hitting .217 (50-22-129) with Jewell Dobson and Molly Spitznagle producing 13 kills apiece. Brittany Thomas led the Lipscomb defense with 16 digs.
In addition to out-hitting the Cardinals, the Lady Bisons held a 54 to 48 advantage in digs and out-aced Ball State 7 to 1. Led by Raker's seven total blocks, the Cardinals managed a 10.0 to 8.0 edge in team blocks.
The Ball State women's volleyball team continues play in the Lipscomb Invitational later this afternoon with a 6 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. CT first serve versus Florida Atlantic. The Cardinals close play in the two-day event Saturday versus Pepperdine at 1:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. CT.
For the most up-to-date news on Ball State women's volleyball, follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateWVB and @SteveShondell on Twitter.
- BallStateSports.com -
