Ball State University
9-4,2-1MIVA
Lewis University
9-4,2-2MIVA
The Cardinals Fall to Lewis in Tough 3-2 Battle
February 15, 2025 | Men's Volleyball
MUNCIE, Ind. -- Ball State men's volleyball fell to Lewis in a tough 3-2 (25-17, 21-25, 17-25, 25-10, 12-15) battle Friday night at home.
Despite the loss, Rajé Alleyne played a stellar game, leading the team and recording a season-high 27 kills. Alleyne hit an impressive .523 percentage from the floor while also adding five blocks and six digs.
Also supporting the Cardinals' offense were Patrick Rogers and Braydon Savitski-Lynde. Rogers hit .345 with 14 kills and Savitski-Lynde added 10 kills while hitting .625.
Savitski-Lynde was also a difference maker on defense, hitting a new career-high with seven blocks.
Assisting the team was Lucas Machado with a recorded 52. He also had two service aces and 10 digs for the Cardinals.
Ball State came out strong in the first set, taking an early 5-2 lead over Lewis. They kept their advantage to the final point of the frame, winning 25-17. The Cardinals ended the first with a .524 hitting percentage, meanwhile holding the Flyers at .143.
Lewis came out more aggressive in the second set, never allowing Ball State to pull away by more than two points. The two teams went back and forth through the whole frame, heading into the final points tied at 20. The Flyers were able to close the set, taking five of the final six points for a 25-21 finish.
Momentum stayed with Lewis into the third frame. Despite the Cardinals remaining close through the first half of the set, the Flyers were able to pull away and secure the point. Lewis won the frame 25-17 following a five-point run.
Down 2-1 to the Flyers, Ball State played a commanding fourth set. The Cardinals set the tone early with a 5-1 advantage. Lewis was able to get within three, trailing 6-9, before Ball State took off on a nine-point run. Up 18-6, the Cardinals ultimately closed the set in a dominant fashion, winning 25-10 with the inclusion of four major kills from Alleyne.
Even after a huge fourth set win, the Cardinals struggled to slow the Flyers offense in the fifth. Ultimately, Lewis was able to defeat Ball State in a 15-12 final set and give the Cardinals their first conference loss.
Up next, Ball State men's volleyball will hit the road on Thursday (Feb. 20) for another conference match against Lindenwood in St. Charles, Missouri. Following that match, they will head to Lebanon, Illinois to take on McKendree that Saturday (Feb. 22).
