Comeback Falls Short as Season Ends in MIVA Quarterfinals

LEBANON, Ill. – After falling behind two sets to none, the Ball State men's volleyball team fought off five match points and made it to a fifth game, but eventually fell, 16-14, in the final set as the season came to a close in the MIVA Quarterfinals at McKendree Saturday night.

The Cardinals finish the 2019 campaign with a 15-15 overall record while McKendree will travel to face Lewis in the semifinals of the MIVA Tournament.

As a team, Ball State had 65 kills to McKendree's 60 but committed nine more errors than the Bearcats. BSU also added 65 assists, four service aces, 70 digs and five blocks.

Ball State appeared to have little life after dropping the opening sets, but survived extras in set three to extend the match with a 27-25 set victory. The fourth game was the exact same as McKendree held a match point looking to seal the win. Matt Szews kept the Cardinals alive with a kill and went on to help BSU send the contest to a decisive fifth set.

The fifth set started out great for Ball State as it jumped out to a 7-3 advantage when the teams switched sides. The Bearcats responded and rallied off a 6-0 run to go up by two, and eventually put away the match in extras.

Szews led the Cardinals in kills with 22 just days after being named to the All-MIVA First Team. Zach Nielson gave BSU a huge spark off the bench in the most playing time of his career by contributing 14 kills. Ben Chinnici was the final Cardinal with double-digit kills with 11. Quinn Isaacson led the team in assists with 57 while All-MIVA Second Team honoree Parker Swartz secured a team-high three blocks. Chinnici led the digging effort on the night with 18.

For all the latest on Ball State men's volleyball, follow @BallStateMVB on social media and visit BallStateSports.com.

Players Mentioned

Ben Chinnici

Quinn Isaacson

Parker Swartz

Matt Szews