Volleyball Takes Down Ohio in Straight Sets

ATHENS, Ohio - - It was another tough Mid-American Conference road test for the Ball State women's volleyball team Friday night, and they passed with flying colors in a 3-0 (25-20, 27-25, 26-24) sweep of Ohio at the Convocation Center.

In improving to 11-8 (5-2 MAC), the Cardinals were able to rally late in both the second and third sets to hand the Bobcats (12-8; 4-3 MAC) just their second home loss of the season.

"Tonight was a solid performance from our whole squad," head coach Kelli Miller Phillips said. "I thought we played with confidence and ball controlled well, which allowed us to be very balanced offensively. Amber's service pressure really played a huge role as well, keeping Ohio out of system which was also crucial tonight."

After never trailing in the opening set, Ball State found itself down 19-16 late in the second. However, a string of five straight points shifted the momentum and the Cardinals went on to claim the frame in extra points.

The third set was another battle, with BSU trailing 20-19 late. Ball State answered with five of the next six points, and after the Bobcats battled back to tie the score at 24, won the frame on a kill from freshman middle Marie Plitt and an Ohio attacking error.

"I was really proud of our team's confidence and composure tonight, especially at the end of sets." Phillips said. "It takes a lot of mental toughness when you're playing on the road in a tough environment. However, we have been focusing a lot on finishing sets and matches, and I thought that helped us tonight."

Led by senior setter Amber Seaman, the Cardinals used a very balanced offensive effort to take down the Bobcats, the only league team to defeat MAC East Division leader Akron this season. Seaman, who handed out 40 assists and collected 12 digs for her third double-double of the season, also served up four aces and had 22 of the team's 77 service attempts in the victory.

"Amber was really good tonight," Phillips said. "She ran a balanced offense, served tough and kept our team composed in some really tough moments."

Leading the Ball State attack was the team's freshman Natalie duo, with Natalie Mitchem tying for match-high honors with 12 kills and Natalie Risi right behind with 11.

Plitt was the Cardinals top attack based on percentage, hitting .400 with nine kills on 20 swings and just one error. She also collected five digs and a pair of block assists. Freshman opposite Allison Hamaker added eight kills in the win.

"Marie turned in a strong match tonight," Phillips added. "She was constantly working on being an option in transition, which allowed our pins to get better one-on-one looks."

In the backcourt, freshman defensive specialist Maggie Huber led the Cardinals with 13 digs, while senior libero Kate Avila collected 12 and freshman defensive specialist Chloe Rickenbach added 11.

Overall, the Cardinals out-hit the Bobcats .197 (47-20-137) to .165 (42-20-133) and held a 62 to 53 advantage in team digs. Ball State also held a six to two edge in aces.

The Ball State women's volleyball team returns to action Saturday with a 5 p.m. first serve at Kent State.

For the most up-to-date news on Ball State women's volleyball, follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateWVB and @VBCoachMiller on Twitter.

- BallStateSports.com -

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Team Stats

Natalie Mitchem

Natalie Risi

Marie Plitt

Allison Hamaker

Players Mentioned

Kate Avila

Allison Hamaker

Maggie Huber

Natalie Mitchem

Marie Plitt

Chloe Rickenbach

Natalie Risi

Amber Seaman

Players Mentioned

Kate Avila

Allison Hamaker

Maggie Huber

Natalie Mitchem

Marie Plitt

Chloe Rickenbach

Natalie Risi

Amber Seaman