Ball State University
12-3 (6-0MIVA)
Quincy
8-13 (2-6MIVA)
With Sweep, Men?s Volleyball Extends Win Streak To Nine
February 26, 2016 | Men's Volleyball
MUNCIE, Ind. -- The No. 9 Ball State (12-3, 6-0 MIVA) men's volleyball team welcomed Quincy University (8-13, 2-6 MIVA) to Worthen Arena for Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association play on Thursday evening, and extended its win streak to nine with a 3-0 (25-16, 25-18, 25-18) sweep of the Hawks.
“I liked our blocking at the end of this match. I thought our guys really got in tune and I liked our defensive focus,” Ball State men's volleyball head coach Joel Walton said. “There were a couple of things that were a part of our game plan going in against Quincy, and I thought our guys did a good job of being aware of when their setter was front row to avoid him getting on track attacking.”
The first set was speckled with an astounding five service aces from the Ball State squad, including two apiece from junior Brendan Surane and junior Mike Scannell, while the teams breezed through just two lead changes in the process of closing out a 25-16 final in the first set.
“We have really just talked about approaching every game the same way with the same mentality. It doesn't matter what title is on the other opponent's jersey,” Scannell said. “I think our confidence and aggressiveness is key to every game so far. We come into every game with the same mentality.”
The momentum continued to flow in favor of the Cardinals as a 25-18 score was posted with the help of the blocking power of sophomore Matt Walsh and senior Hiago Garchet. Ball State held a significant 5.0-2.0 advantage in total team blocks after the second set, in the process of also improving to a .345 team attack percentage to the Hawks .185.
The third set was when Walsh really ramped up the Ball State blocking game, as he downed seven Quincy attacks for a three set total of 10. Surane was consistent throughout the match as he posted four kills in each game for a match total and team high of 12. Junior Alex Pia also stood out in the attack as he earned four kills with a perfect 1.000 attack percentage, helping the Cardinals ultimately finish with a team attack percentage of .273.
Overall, Ball State dominated the Hawks in attack percentage (.273-.085), total team blocks (13.0-2.0), aces (7-0) and kills (32-29). Although Quincy held the edge in digs (30-24), the Cardinals capitalized on the opponents 22 attack errors while holding to 11.
“We were ready and we didn't get caught by surprise very much,” Walton went on. “We really stress for the guys to follow routine, and they need to have a routine when they are at home and when they are on the road. Game day needs to be sacred to them.”
Looking ahead, the Cardinals will round out its six match home stand by hosting MIVA foe Lindenwood tomorrow evening in Worthen Arena at 7:30 p.m. before heading to the west coast to take on Grand Canyon and UCLA.
“The past home games have carried us and will hopefully give us momentum on the road,” Scannell added. “We need to keep the streak going and keep pushing so we can follow that on the road. As long as we are playing really great together as a group that is the most key thing out of it all.”
For the most up-to-date news on Ball State men's volleyball action, follow @BallStateSports and @BallStateMVB on Twitter and Instagram.
