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After a one-year break, Ball State and George Mason will renew their non-conference series beginning next season.
Off the Block was informed via email Monday that the two teams during the upcoming regular season will continue one of the nation’s longest standing non-conference series as Ball State will travel to play George Mason.
The 2013 season was the first time in 15 years that the Cardinals and the Patriots did not play each other at least once in the regular season. With the exception of two seasons, Ball State and George Mason have met every year since 1983.
Ball State ended last season with its first 20-win season in five years and was ranked No. 11 in the final national coaches poll. The Cardinals also return a majority of starters, including All-American middle attackers Kevin Owens and Matt Leske, after advancing to the MIVA Tournament semifinals.
In addition, Ball State was the only non-West Coast team to finish non-conference play undefeated during the 2013 season.
George Mason last season received votes in the national coaches poll throughout the regular season and reached the four-team EIVA Tournament.
Ball State leads the all-time season series versus George Mason 40-26 dating back to 1981. The Cardinals have also won five of the last seven meetings against the Patriots.
Along with its George Mason match, Ball State in 2014 will play several other non-conference match against teams that reached the EIVA Tournament last season including Penn State and Princeton.