Thrilling Volleyball Victory: Ball State University Overcomes Marquette in Weekend Opener!

Ball State Women’s Volleyball Team Shows Grit in a Thrilling Comeback

The Ball State women’s volleyball team displayed remarkable resilience on Friday night. Battling Marquette, they found themselves down 11-7 in the fifth set. But instead of giving up, they rallied and scored the last eight points, securing a 3-2 victory.

Coach Kelli Miller Phillips praised her team’s toughness, highlighting the importance of clutch plays during such high-pressure moments. “You need your players to step up on the road against strong teams,” she said.

A standout performance came from junior middle blocker Camryn Wise. She racked up 12 kills with an impressive hitting percentage of .579 and tied for the match-high with six blocks. Two of those crucial blocks contributed directly to the Cardinals’ eight-point run.

“Camryn set the tone from the start,” Phillips noted. “Her leadership was vital tonight.”

The match showcased Ball State’s solid execution. They edged Marquette in attack percentage (0.211 to 0.188) and led in total digs, with 73 compared to Marquette’s 62. The Cardinals also accumulated 12 total blocks, just one more than their opponents.

Another key player, junior middle blocker Gwen Crull, added to the team’s success with five blocks and seven kills. She also served an ace during the final push that clinched the win.

Sophomore defensive specialist Elizabeth Tabeling was crucial in the backcourt, achieving a career-high 20 digs. Her perfect serve receive performance (10 for 10) helped stabilize the team during crucial moments.

While Wise impressed with her kills, sophomore outside hitter Carson Tyler led the offense with 17 kills and collected a career-high of 19 digs. Graduate outside hitter Noelle VanOort also contributed significantly, with 14 kills and 11 digs.

Additionally, sophomore libero Sophie Ledbetter reached double digits in digs, solidifying her defensive impact with 10 digs and a strong serve receive rating.

Junior setter Lindsey Green played a significant role as well, tallying a career-high 51 assists while also contributing six digs and a service ace.

On the other side, Marquette’s Hattie Bray stood out with 19 kills, hitting an impressive .516. Adriana Studer led her team with 21 digs, and Keira Schmidt matched Wise’s block total.

“It feels great to win like this,” Phillips reflected. “We’ve faced tough opponents this season, and we’re learning and growing together. It’s a long journey, but tonight’s win boosts our confidence.”

Next, the Cardinals will continue their run in the Marquette Tournament, facing Milwaukee on Saturday and James Madison on Sunday. This victory not only highlights their competitive spirit but also reinforces the importance of teamwork and persistence in their season.

For more insights on volleyball strategies and coaching perspectives, check out resources from the American Volleyball Coaches Association.

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