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Freshman outside attacker Blake Reardon making his third start of the season had a team-high 11 kills as No. 11 Ball State defeated No. 12/10 Loyola 17-25, 25-19, 25-18, 25-23 in the MIVA Tournament quarterfinals on Saturday in Muncie, Indiana.
Ball State out-hit Loyola .259 to .250, despite Loyola having more than a .400 attack percentage and a combined five attack errors in the first two games. However, the Cardinals held the Ramblers to less than a .175 attack percentage in each of final two games.
This is the first time in three years that the Cardinals have advanced beyond the opening round of the conference tournament. In addition, the No. 4 seed Ball State will this victory will now play the No. 1 seed Ohio State in the MIVA Tournament semifinals.
Check out Off the Block’s postmatch interview with Ball State coach Joel Walton following the postseason victory.