Ball State University
10-5,3-2MIVA
McKendree University
8-5,5-1MIVA
No.8 Ball State Falls in Five Set Thriller to No. 17 McKendree
February 22, 2025 | Men's Volleyball
LEBANON, Ill. -- No. 8 Ball State men's volleyball fell to No. 17 McKendree in a five-set thriller on the road Saturday night.
The Cardinals had a strong start to set one, taking an early 4-0 lead. Ball State was able to lead McKendree through the majority of the set, heading into the final points leading 19-16. The Bearcats responded accordingly, however, going on a three-point run to tie the score. The two teams went point for point through 21-21, until McKendree added three in a row to take a 24-21 lead over the Cardinals. Ball State answered back with three to once again tie the score. Despite the comeback, the Cardinals were not able to take the first set, falling 24-26 in the first.
Set two started in a similar fashion, with Ball State up 4-1 early on. The Cardinals maintained the advantage through 8-7 until the Bearcats tied the set with a kill. The score remained close through 14-14 until Ball State was able to find some momentum to build a 16-14 lead with the help of a kill from Ryan Louis. McKendree evened the set again at 20-20 and continued to push past the Cardinals to a score of 23-21. Ball State was able to hold their own in the end, taking set two 25-23.
It was another close start in set three, as both teams stayed within one point through McKendree's 11-10 lead. From there, the Bearcats were able to build an 18-15 advantage over the visiting Cardinals. Ball State was never able to battle their way back into the set, falling 22-25 in the third.
McKendree got its first opening point of the night to start set four following a kill from the setter. The second frame was another close battle as the two teams went into the final points tied at 18-18. The Cardinals were able to take control and force a fifth set after taking the fourth frame 25-21.
The fifth set opened with McKendree quickly building momentum for a 6-1 start. The Bearcats were able to close the set 15-10 to win the match in five.
Offensively, Louis led the Cardinals' efforts with 21 total kills and an ace, a new career high. Patrick Rogers followed with 15 kills, as well as Vanis Buckholz who added seven kills on the night. Rogers also hit a new career high with a recorded 15 digs.
Ball State will return to Worthen Arena next week to welcome No. 15 Ohio State and Lindenwood. The Cardinals will take on the Buckeyes on Thursday, Feb. 27 and will offer free tickets to all Indiana high school volleyball players who provide proof of attendance to their local high school. The promotion is in celebration of the first official season of boys volleyball under the Indiana High School Athletic Association starting next month.
