Ball State University Athletics
Ball State University
20-8, 12-4MIVA
Loyola
19-7, 12-4MIVA
Men's Volleyball Closes The Regular Season Against Loyola
April 09, 2016 | Men's Volleyball
CHICAGO, Ill. – The No. 8 Ball State men's volleyball (20-8, 12-4 MIVA) team fell to No. 12 Loyola (19-7, 12-4 MIVA) on the road Saturday night in a 3-1 (23-25, 25-27, 29-27, 25-17) final to close regular season action.
The offensive charge was tackled by the combination of sophomore Mitch Weiler, junior Mike Scannell and senior Marcin Niemczewski, who each tallied 12 kills a piece. Sophomore Matt Walsh got in on the action by marking nine kills, in addition to posting a team-high of five total blocks.
The Cardinals topped the Ramblers by earning 6.5 total team blocks, compared to Loyola's 6.0 on the night. Although Walsh downed the only Ball State solo block in the four sets, Weiler also jumped for two block assists.
The Cardinals were consistent in its attack by opening with a .333 hitting percentage, improving to a .387 in the third game, and finishing the match at a .333 mark, although the Ramblers topped the night with a team total hitting percentage of .325 to the Cardinals .289. Loyola was also able to edge Ball State in kills (74-52), digs (47-37) and service aces (3-0).
Although the Ramblers were able to clinch three of the four sets, the pair of conference rivals battled through 34 tie scores as well as 12 lead changes on the night, including a match-high of 15 tie scores in the decisive third game that was forced into extra points.
Up next, the Cardinals will compete in the first round of the MIVA tournament on Saturday, April 16 by hosting McKendree in Worthen Arena.
For the most up-to-date news on Ball State men's volleyball action, follow @BallStateSports and @BallStateMVB on Twitter and Instagram.
