MUNCIE, Ind.— The Miami University volleyball team (11-13, 5-7 MAC) fell in a three-set match (21-25, 19-25, 15-25) against Ball State (15-9, 11-1 MAC) on Tuesday evening at Worthen Arena.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The first set opened with back-and-forth action, as a pair of kills and a Grace Kreutz service ace gave the RedHawks an early 3-2 advantage. A couple of blocks that Gentry Warrick assisted on and a pair of Molly Creech kills kept Miami within striking distance at 9-8. The Cardinals answered by extending their lead to 19-11, when the RedHawks used an 8-3 scoring run to cut their deficit to just three points at 22-19. The Red and White fought until the end but ultimately dropped the first set 25-21.
Ball State carried their momentum into the second set, as they jumped out to an 8-2 lead at the start. A block assist and solo block from Warrick got the RedHawks going, as a Creech kill cut the Cardinals’ lead in half at 9-6. Trailing 14-6, a Lauren Coyne kill and two blocks from Chelsea Williams, including a solo block, brought the score to 15-10. Lydia Michelin added a solo block of her own at 18-12, and numerous errors from Ball State brought Miami within five points at 22-17. The Cardinals found a way to fend off the RedHawks, sealing the second set 25-19.
A service ace from Creech and back-to-back service aces from Kreutz propelled the RedHawks to a 7-2 advantage and forced a Ball State timeout in the third set. The Cardinals managed to tie the score at 8-8. Kills from Williams, Creech, Warrick and Lindy Radaszewsk kept things close at 14-12 in favor of Ball State. The Red and White came no closer, eventually falling 25-15 in the third set.
NOTES:
Kreutz recorded a career-high three service aces.
Warrick led all RedHawks with six blocks.
UP NEXT:
The RedHawks return home for a couple of conference matches against Bowling Green this weekend. Miami will host the Falcons on Friday, Oct. 31 at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m.