Ball State University Athletics
Ball State University
5-3, 0-0MIVA
George Mason
1-6, 1-0EIVA
Men's Volleyball Marks 3-2 Comeback Win Over George Mason
January 31, 2016 | Men's Volleyball
FAIRFAX, Va. -- The No. 15 Ball State (5-3) men's volleyball team rallied for a five-set victory over George Mason (1-6, 1-0 EIVA) Saturday evening at the Recreation & Athletic Complex. After falling in the first two sets 25-19 and 25-18, the Cardinals rebounded to win three straight sets 25-20, 25-21, and 15-9 for the 3-2 victory.
Helping the Cardinals battle through an astounding 40 tie scores and eight lead changes was junior Brendan Surane with 12 kills and five blocks on the night, while junior Mike Scannell tallied seven kills and three block assists. The pair greatly contributed to Ball State's 12.5 total team blocks, while junior Alex Pia chimed in with four block assists on the night. In addition to Surane's one solo block, senior setter Hiago Garchet and sophomore Mitch Weiler each marked solo blocks for the Cardinals.
While Weiler took on 20 receptions and earned four digs throughout the five-setter, Surane and Edgardo Cartagena each met the same mark by contributing four digs a piece to Ball State's total of 17.
At the back line, all five of the Cardinals service aces came from just two players, including freshman Parker Swartz' three as well as sophomore Anthony Lebryk's two. Lebryk's aces were his first and second of the season, while Swartz now ties Matt Walsh to lead the team with a season total of six.
Despite dropping the first two sets to the Patriots, Ball State took advantage of the 30 attack errors of George Mason to solidify the come-from-behind victory, while the Cardinals held to just 14 attack errors. Although Ball State significantly held the advantage in total team blocks (12.5-8.0), George Mason led in kills (58-33), attack percentage (.262-.224) and digs (32-17), while both squads earned five aces on the night.
Looking ahead, the Cardinals will open Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association play at McKendree Feb. 4, followed by Ohio State on Feb. 6. The matches will be the final road games for the time being, as Ball State will then host a six-match homestand.
For the most up-to-date news on Ball State men's volleyball action, follow @BallStateSports and @BallStateMVB on Twitter and Instagram.
