COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ball State men’s volleyball team faced a tough match against No. 13 Ohio State, losing in straight sets (20-25, 23-25, 27-29). This was their first setback in conference play this season.
Ryan Louis led the way for the Cardinals with 13 kills, while teammate Patrick Rogers contributed 12 kills and grabbed a team-high seven digs. Jacob Surette also made an impact, scoring seven kills and hitting an impressive .667.
Setter Lucas Machado played a crucial role, providing 34 assists and helping the team achieve a .330 hitting percentage. Braydon Savitski Lynde matched Machado’s three blocks and added six kills with a .556 hitting percentage.
In the second set, Ball State showed resilience. They outperformed Ohio State with a .433 hitting percentage, landing 17 kills compared to Ohio State’s 12. Despite holding a two-point lead late in the set, they fell short as Ohio State surged ahead.
The third set was equally intense. Ball State initially led 12-8, but Ohio State countered with five straight points. The Cardinals managed to regain a narrow lead at 21-18, but Ohio State’s persistence allowed them to take the set 29-27.
Now, the Cardinals aim to recover in their upcoming match against Northern Kentucky on February 21.
Expert Insight
Following the match, volleyball analyst Jenna Collins noted the importance of mental resilience in close games. “It’s not just about skill; the team needs to stay focused. Small mistakes can cost you sets and matches,” she explained.
Statistics to Note
Despite this loss, Ball State holds a solid record of 12-2 and remains competitive in the conference with a 4-1 record. Their hitting percentage of .330 is commendable and highlights their offensive capabilities, which should help them bounce back.
As fans eagerly await the next game, social media shows a mixed reaction. Many supporters are optimistic, highlighting the team’s recent successes. Others express concern about consistency, emphasizing the importance of learning from setbacks.
For more details on Ball State’s performance and future matches, you can check out NCAA Volleyball stats.
