Sunday, March 7
Kalamazoo, MI
2 p.m.
Ball State University
6-7,6-7MAC
0
at
3
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Western Michigan
10-3,10-3MAC
1
2
3
F
Ball St.
24
21
22
0
Western Mich.
26
25
25
3
Plitt Leads Volleyball in Sunday Action at Western Michigan
March 07, 2021 | Women's Volleyball
KALAMZAOO, Mich. - - Sophomore middle Marie Plitt smashed a team-high 12 kills and hit .478 (12-2-21), but it was not enough to lift the Ball State women's volleyball team past Western Michigan Sunday afternoon.
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In the first of two matches the Cardinals (6-7; 6-7 Mid-American Conference) were forced to postpone due to COVID-19 protocol, Ball State was able to hold even with the division-leading Broncos (10-3, 10-3 MAC) in each set. Unfortunately, WMU would manage to pull out each one and take the match 3-0 (26-24, 25-21, 25-22).
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For the third straight match, redshirt sophomore Esther Grussing had the offense running relatively efficiently, with the Cardinals connecting for a .233 (43-15-120) attack percentage.
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The Broncos, however, were even more efficient hitting .301 (52-12-113) against the Cardinals who entered the week as one of the MAC's top defenses. Ball State even led the match with eight total blocks, but WMU still managed to have three players reach double-digit kills.
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Aside from Plitt's strong effort, freshman middle Lauren Gilliland smashed seven kills and hit an even more impressive .538 (7-0-13). Gilliland also tied with sophomore opposite Natalie Mitchem for team-high honors with three total blocks.
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Combined, Ball State's middles Plitt and Gilliland hit .500 (19-2-21) for the match. Aside from BSU's middle tandem, senior outside Kia Holder was second on the team with eight kills.
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In the backcourt, sophomore libero Maggie Huber tied for match-high honors with 15 digs.
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Rachel Bontrager led the WMU attack with 15 kills, while Maggie King was not far behind with 14. The Broncos' Kaley Smith tied Huber for match-high honors with 15 digs.
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The Ball State women's volleyball team returns to action Thursday, when it welcomes Kent State to Worthen Arena for a 7 p.m. first serve. The teams will battle again Friday for a 2 p.m. showdown in the Jo Ann Gora Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
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In the first of two matches the Cardinals (6-7; 6-7 Mid-American Conference) were forced to postpone due to COVID-19 protocol, Ball State was able to hold even with the division-leading Broncos (10-3, 10-3 MAC) in each set. Unfortunately, WMU would manage to pull out each one and take the match 3-0 (26-24, 25-21, 25-22).
Â
For the third straight match, redshirt sophomore Esther Grussing had the offense running relatively efficiently, with the Cardinals connecting for a .233 (43-15-120) attack percentage.
Â
The Broncos, however, were even more efficient hitting .301 (52-12-113) against the Cardinals who entered the week as one of the MAC's top defenses. Ball State even led the match with eight total blocks, but WMU still managed to have three players reach double-digit kills.
Â
Aside from Plitt's strong effort, freshman middle Lauren Gilliland smashed seven kills and hit an even more impressive .538 (7-0-13). Gilliland also tied with sophomore opposite Natalie Mitchem for team-high honors with three total blocks.
Â
Combined, Ball State's middles Plitt and Gilliland hit .500 (19-2-21) for the match. Aside from BSU's middle tandem, senior outside Kia Holder was second on the team with eight kills.
Â
In the backcourt, sophomore libero Maggie Huber tied for match-high honors with 15 digs.
Â
Rachel Bontrager led the WMU attack with 15 kills, while Maggie King was not far behind with 14. The Broncos' Kaley Smith tied Huber for match-high honors with 15 digs.
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The Ball State women's volleyball team returns to action Thursday, when it welcomes Kent State to Worthen Arena for a 7 p.m. first serve. The teams will battle again Friday for a 2 p.m. showdown in the Jo Ann Gora Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
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Team Stats
BSU
WMU
Kills
43
52
Errors
15
12
Attempts
120
133
Hitting %
.233
.301
Points
54
56
Assists
39
48
Aces
3
0
Blocks
8
4
Game Leaders
Kills-Aces-Blocks
Kills
12
Aces
0
Blocks
2
Kills
8
Aces
0
Blocks
2
Kills
7
Aces
0
Blocks
3
Kills
5
Aces
0
Blocks
0
Players Mentioned
MB
/ Women's Volleyball
S
/ Women's VolleyballOH
/ Women's Volleyball
DS
/ Women's Volleyball
OH / OPP
/ Women's VolleyballMB
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