Ball State University
Tusculum University
Ball State Takes First Game Against Tusculum
January 30, 2025 | Men's Volleyball
MUNCIE, Ind. -- No. 8 men's volleyball secured the first of a two-match series against Tusculum Thursday (Jan. 30) in Worthen Arena.
The Cardinals (6-3) beat the Pioneers (3-6) in a sweep, hitting .351 from the floor and recording 39 kills. Their offensive efforts were led by Patrick Rogers who totaled 10 kills with a .600 hitting percentage. Rogers also added five aces, a new single-game personal record.
Leading in assists was Lucas Machado with a total of 30. He also recorded an ace and five digs to support the Cardinals' victory.
Ball State took off early in the first frame, finding a 4-1 lead after three consecutive aces from Rogers. They maintained momentum, holding the Pioneers to a -.115 clip and allowing just 12 points in the set.
Tusculum was able to remain closer in the second set, holding to Cardinals to just a one-point advantage after a kill from Deklan Wingo changed the score 6-7. However, Ball State soon pulled away as kills from Machado and Braydon Savitski-Lynde propelled the Cardinals' lead to 10-6. Ball State held on to the advantage, winning the set 25-19 on a Tusculum error.
The Cardinals closed out the game with a third-set 25-22 victory following a final kill from Rogers.
Match two will take place tomorrow at 7 p.m. for Hometown Heroes Night.
