Shondell — the son of the late Dr. Don Shondell, who led the Cardinals to 20 of their conference championships — will soon have to amend his pregame announcement. By sweeping Quincy (25-23, 25-17, 25-15) Thursday night, Ball State secured its third-straight and 24th-overall Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) regular season title.
The Cardinals fell to the Fighting Illini 195.825-195.775 in the first round of the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Regionals Championships and ended the season ranked No. 34 nationally. Despite Ball State’s loss, five Cardinals will compete in the individual matchup April 4.
The Ball State Daily News high school sports beat reporter Zach Carter gives his awards for the Delaware County winter sports season.
The Cardinals are proud of the team they’ve cultivated throughout the 2023-24 season.
Ball State finished the competition in 7th after a strong opening day performance that was headlined by sophomores Jasmine Driscoll and Madelin Boyd, as the formerly two-day competition was cut short due to weather conditions.
With the motto “small school, big opportunities,” the Wes-Del Warriors continue to upgrade their athletics program by using a a four-phase plan.
The 12th-ranked Cardinals fell to No. 14 Lewis (14-12, 8-6 MIVA) Saturday in five sets (25-18, 19-25, 19-25, 27-25, 12-15) inside Neil Carey Arena.
In the program's first appearance at the 2A State Finals, the Wapahani Raiders fell to Brownstown Central 55-36.
It was a slow start on the offensive end for Wapahani. The length of the Braves lineup was extremely disruptive defensively forcing the Raiders into four turnovers through the opening quarter.
With Wapahani making its first appearance at the 2A State Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Raiders have been continuing to work the last two weeks.
Donan Cruz’s arrival at Ball State in 2022 sparked an influx of Hawaiian volleyball flair into the historic program, led by sophomore Keau Thompson and freshman Xander Pink.
Lights out pitching from Letsinger complimented the Cardinals' high octane offense in a 12-5 victory against the Screaming Eagles.
Multiple former Cardinals have played women’s sports professionally while current Ball State student-athletes look towards the same goal.
“I’m so proud of them,” Kirtane said. “When we left Ypsilanti, I think the girls really thought they gave up one. So I knew coming in at home we would definitely have a good chance.”
Just two days after its 3-0 loss to Ohio State, Ball State posted a bounce-back road win against Purdue Fort Wayne. The Cardinals’ victory completed the season sweep of the Battle of I-69 and extended their winning streak against their rival to nine.
Despite the loss, Ball State had many highs at the MAC Championship, including winning a handful of individual awards, as senior Suki Pfister was named MAC Specialist of the Year for the third season. Sophomore Zoe Middleton left with four awards: first for beam, first on floor, third on vault and first for all-around with 39.525 total points. Head coach Joanna Saleem won MAC Coach of the Year.
In Ball State's second Mid-American Conference series of the 2024 season, the Cardinals were swept by Kent State at the First Merchants Ballpark Complex.
The Cardinals are now 3-2 in conference play
The Cardinal's win streak is snapped by the Eagles.
