2008 Woodie Awards
WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL: Cards begin new type of streak
Ball State beats Buffalo for second win after historic losing streak
Levin Black
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Returning to Worthen Arena for the first time in two weeks, the Ball State University women's volleyball team completed a 3-0 (30-17, 30-17, 30-25) sweep of the University at Buffalo Saturday to improve to 2-2 in the Mid-American Conference, 3-13 overall.
The victory is the Cardinals' second in a row after defeating the University of Toledo Thursday. Prior to the two wins, the Cardinals had lost 13 straight matches. However, the two wins has the team talking about a new streak.
"It's what we call starting a new streak," sophomore Julie Breivogel said. "We're starting a new streak so it is a very exciting time for us. To finally to gain that ground of accomplishment that we have been working hard for the whole season. I know this is the start of Ball State volleyball showing our potential and being able to go out and dominant our opponents."
Coach Dave Boos said the team is starting to improve, especially offensively.
"Our team is starting to play better volleyball," Boos said. "Our offense played well this week. We hit numbers that were a rarity a month ago. We're hitting in that .180 to .200 range."
Actually against Buffalo, Ball State hit above the .200 mark, getting a .211 attacking percentage in the match. The Cardinals had less success with attacking earlier in the season, having two games below .000 and a season percentage of .093 prior to the Toledo match.
However, Boos said the team is beginning to figure it out.
"We're slowly chipping away at this offensive puzzle," Boos said. "We're finding out what people can and can't do and people are learning everyday."
Four Ball State players collected six of more kills, while Breivogel's 10 was the most of any player in the match.
"Our setter really mixed it up well tonight, getting everyone the ball," Breivogel said. "Everyone did their part in the win tonight with kills."
After winning the first two games against Buffalo 30-17, the third game became tight when Buffalo rallied from a 26-19 deficit to make it a three point game, 28-25. Ball State then won the final two points to lock up the sweep.
The victory is the Cardinals' second in a row after defeating the University of Toledo Thursday. Prior to the two wins, the Cardinals had lost 13 straight matches. However, the two wins has the team talking about a new streak.
"It's what we call starting a new streak," sophomore Julie Breivogel said. "We're starting a new streak so it is a very exciting time for us. To finally to gain that ground of accomplishment that we have been working hard for the whole season. I know this is the start of Ball State volleyball showing our potential and being able to go out and dominant our opponents."
Coach Dave Boos said the team is starting to improve, especially offensively.
"Our team is starting to play better volleyball," Boos said. "Our offense played well this week. We hit numbers that were a rarity a month ago. We're hitting in that .180 to .200 range."
Actually against Buffalo, Ball State hit above the .200 mark, getting a .211 attacking percentage in the match. The Cardinals had less success with attacking earlier in the season, having two games below .000 and a season percentage of .093 prior to the Toledo match.
However, Boos said the team is beginning to figure it out.
"We're slowly chipping away at this offensive puzzle," Boos said. "We're finding out what people can and can't do and people are learning everyday."
Four Ball State players collected six of more kills, while Breivogel's 10 was the most of any player in the match.
"Our setter really mixed it up well tonight, getting everyone the ball," Breivogel said. "Everyone did their part in the win tonight with kills."
After winning the first two games against Buffalo 30-17, the third game became tight when Buffalo rallied from a 26-19 deficit to make it a three point game, 28-25. Ball State then won the final two points to lock up the sweep.
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