Ball State's Redemption Arc
If you thought Ball State was going to let a home loss to Lewis linger, think again. Saturday night, Ball State didn't just beat Loyola Chicago, they swept them off the court. This wasn't just any win; this was the clincher for the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) regular season title. That's the fourth time in five years for those keeping track at home.
In front of a roaring crowd in Worthen Arena, the Cardinals flipped the script from their March 5th sweep loss to Loyola. They took the Ramblers' early lead in stride, clawed back to a 9-8 advantage, and never looked back. Patrick Rogers, the senior outside hitter and AVCA National Collegiate Men's Player of the Year semifinalist, was the hero of the night with 16 kills, five digs, and a crucial ace.
Home Court Advantage is Real
"Worthen Arena is a fortress," Rogers declared, basking in the victory that ensured Ball State would host their playoff games. The Cardinals showcased a flawless serving game, landing six aces to Loyola’s one. Their attack percentage? A scorching .452 compared to the Ramblers’ .300.
Ball State’s head coach, Mike Iandolo, was all smiles, soaking in his first MIVA title since taking the reins. "We knew what was at stake, especially on senior day," Iandolo said. "This win wasn't just about the title. It was about proving we could bounce back."