Ball State University Athletics
Friday, September 25
Muncie, IN
6 p.m.
Ball State University
10-2,1-0MAC
3
vs
0
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Western Michigan
8-4,0-1MAC
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Mich. | 17 | 20 | 19 | 0 |
| Ball St. | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
Women’s Volleyball Sweeps WMU in #MACtion Opener
September 25, 2026 | Women's Volleyball
MUNCIE, Ind. - - Led by a career-high tying 19 kills from junior outside Ava Smith, the Ball State women's volleyball team opened Mid-American Conference play with a 3-0 (25-17, 25-20, 25-19) sweep of Western Michigan Friday night in Worthen Arena.
In its conference opener, the Cardinals' (10-2; 1-0 MAC) offense was nearly unstoppable, connecting for a .360 (52-7-125) rate of success. The only player with double-digit kills, Smith did a lot of the heavy lifting, reaching her career high for the third time this season while hitting .462 (19-1-39).
On the defensive front, Ball State limited the Broncos (8-4; 0-1 MAC) offense to a .205 (38-11-132) hitting mark led by a match-high 17 digs from junior libero Sophie Ledbetter.
The Cardinals' setting duo of senior Lindsey Green and sophomore Reese Axness both reached double-digit digs as well, with each earning their third double-double of the season. Green dished out 20 assists and collected 11 digs, while Axness added 19 assists to go along with 11 digs.
Junior outside Audrey Geer also had a strong night from the left side, smashing eight kills, hitting .381 (8-0-21) and adding 12 digs. She also collected a key solo block to give Ball State match point, while following with the match-ending kill.
Rounding out Ball State's key contributors on offense were senior middle Gwen Crull with nine kills, senior middle Madison Buckley with seven and senior middle Camryn Wise with five.
Mia Jurkovic led the Western Michigan attack with eight kills, while Carley Piercefield collected a team-high 16 digs. Overall, Ball State held a 52 to 38 edge in kills and a 69 to 54 advantage in digs.
Ball State and Western Michigan will close their two-match series Saturday afternoon with a 4 p.m. first serve for First Responders Day.
All first responders can receive a free ticket to the match by visiting the Worthen Arena ticket office.
In its conference opener, the Cardinals' (10-2; 1-0 MAC) offense was nearly unstoppable, connecting for a .360 (52-7-125) rate of success. The only player with double-digit kills, Smith did a lot of the heavy lifting, reaching her career high for the third time this season while hitting .462 (19-1-39).
On the defensive front, Ball State limited the Broncos (8-4; 0-1 MAC) offense to a .205 (38-11-132) hitting mark led by a match-high 17 digs from junior libero Sophie Ledbetter.
The Cardinals' setting duo of senior Lindsey Green and sophomore Reese Axness both reached double-digit digs as well, with each earning their third double-double of the season. Green dished out 20 assists and collected 11 digs, while Axness added 19 assists to go along with 11 digs.
Junior outside Audrey Geer also had a strong night from the left side, smashing eight kills, hitting .381 (8-0-21) and adding 12 digs. She also collected a key solo block to give Ball State match point, while following with the match-ending kill.
Rounding out Ball State's key contributors on offense were senior middle Gwen Crull with nine kills, senior middle Madison Buckley with seven and senior middle Camryn Wise with five.
Mia Jurkovic led the Western Michigan attack with eight kills, while Carley Piercefield collected a team-high 16 digs. Overall, Ball State held a 52 to 38 edge in kills and a 69 to 54 advantage in digs.
Ball State and Western Michigan will close their two-match series Saturday afternoon with a 4 p.m. first serve for First Responders Day.
All first responders can receive a free ticket to the match by visiting the Worthen Arena ticket office.
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Players Mentioned
S
/ Women's Volleyball
OPP
/ Women's Volleyball
MH
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
S
/ Women's Volleyball
DS/L
/ Women's Volleyball
OH/Opp
/ Women's Volleyball
MH
/ Women's VolleyballTeam Stats
WMU
BSU
Kills
38
52
Errors
11
7
Attempts
132
125
Hitting %
.205
.360
Points
47.0
62.0
Assists
35
48
Aces
5
5
Blocks
4
5
Game Leaders
Kills
19
Aces
2
Blocks
1
Kills
9
Aces
1
Blocks
2
Kills
8
Aces
0
Blocks
2
Kills
7
Aces
0
Blocks
2
Monday, September 21
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Friday, September 04