Volleyball Suffers Senior Day Setback To Western Michigan

MUNCIE, Ind. - - The Ball State women's volleyball team saw its 10-match winning streak come to an end Saturday afternoon with a hard-fought 3-2 (25-18, 21-25, 22-25, 25-20, 15-9) setback to Western Michigan in Worthen Arena.

Despite the loss the Cardinals (20-9; 13-5 Mid-American Conference) were able to lock up the No. 3 seed in next week's MAC Tournament which will run Friday through Sunday at No. 1 seed Bowling Green.

While the match itself did not end the way the Ball State players hoped, they were still able to end the night on a high note by celebrating its four-member 2024 senior class.

"This group has made a huge impact on our program," head coach Kelli Miller Phillips said after the match. "All four of them are great teammates, great teammates and great people. They are hard workers who poured their all into this program."

Senior setter Megan Wielonski led the Ball State offense with 29 assists and added 11 digs for her 66th career double-double. She also served up her 190th career ace and is now two shy of breaking the program record of 191 set by Stacy Jordan (1982-85).

Senior defensive specialist Kendall Seimet was perfect in serve receive in her six attempts, while also turning in a solid effort from the service line.

"Megan and Kendall have been her for four years and won a ton of matches, broke a ton of records," Phillips said. "Those are impactful things and things that are going to live on in this program."

Graduate middle Aayinde Smith turned in another dominating effort at the net, leading all players with nine total blocks, while smashing seven kills.

Junior defensive specialist Paige Busick, who will graduate early, rounded out the group with a strong effort of her own from behind the service line.

"Aayinde has only been here a semester, and what an impact she has made on the program, staff and our team's performance this season," Phillips added. "Paige has been the most consistent worker, going to do whatever it takes to make the team the best it can be."

Aside from the senior impact, three Cardinals finished the night with double digit kills, led by 16 from junior opposite Madison Buckley. Junior outside Katie Egenolf added 14, while freshman outside Carson Tyler was credited with 13.

Tyler also secured her fifth double-double of the season with 15 digs. Leading the Ball State defense in the backcourt was freshman Sophie Ledbetter with 22 digs.

While the Cardinals fell short of the victory, BSU did hold a 14.0-to-7.0 advantage in total blocks, while out-digging the Broncos (17-12; 13-5 MAC) by a 66-to-62 margin.

Keona Salesman led a four WMU players in double figures with 16 kills, while Andelyn Simkins collected a match-high 23 digs.

Volleyball Suffers Senior Day Setback To Western Michigan

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Team Stats

Madison Buckley

Katie Egenolf

Carson Tyler

Aayinde Smith

Players Mentioned

Madison Buckley

Paige Busick

Katie Egenolf

Sophie Ledbetter

Kendall Seimet

Aayinde Smith

Carson Tyler

Megan Wielonski

Players Mentioned

Madison Buckley

Paige Busick

Katie Egenolf

Sophie Ledbetter

Kendall Seimet

Aayinde Smith

Carson Tyler

Megan Wielonski