Ball State Men’s Volleyball Shows Depth and Skill in Season-Opening Sweep

As the 2025 men’s volleyball season kicks off, the No. 5-ranked Ball State Cardinals have set the tone with an impressive performance, sweeping Wabash College 3-0 on Friday night in Worthen Arena. This victory not only marks the beginning of a new season but also demonstrates the Cardinals’ power and cohesion as a team. Ball State dominated throughout all three sets, taking them 25-16, 25-14, and 25-21, showing off their skills, teamwork, and depth. The match also provided exciting individual performances, particularly from players making their season debuts, including Rajé Alleyne, Lucas Machado, and some new faces like freshmen Wil Basilio and Ryan Louis.

A Strong Start from the Cardinals

The match began with a bit of back-and-forth play in the first set, with Wabash College managing to secure a brief 2-0 lead. However, the Cardinals quickly shook off any rust and began to assert their dominance on the court. The turning point came when Lucas Machado, who has proven to be a key playmaker for the team, served up three consecutive aces. These aces helped the Cardinals take control, giving them a 13-8 advantage. This streak of brilliance served as a catalyst for Ball State to further build momentum.

Ball State’s offensive efficiency was apparent in the first set, with the Cardinals executing their plays seamlessly. Despite a late surge from Wabash, the Cardinals’ relentless play and depth were too much for the Little Giants, securing the set with a 25-16 win after a service error from Wabash.

Dominating the Second Set

Set two was a continuation of the Cardinals’ dominance. From the outset, Ball State was on fire. The team went on a 5-point run, quickly building a commanding 7-1 lead. Wabash College had no response to the power and precision of the Cardinals’ offense, which was firing on all cylinders. Ball State hit a remarkable .583 in the second set, showing just how efficient and clinical their attacking play was. With little resistance from Wabash, Ball State surged to a 25-14 victory, leaving no doubt about who was in control of the match.

Fresh Faces Contribute in the Third Set

The third set saw a mix of veterans and newcomers on the court, with freshmen Wil Basilio and Ryan Louis getting their first taste of collegiate volleyball action. The pair brought a fresh energy to the game, and they, along with the rest of the Cardinals, were eager to close out the match on a high note.

Ball State continued its offensive pressure, with kills from Basilio and Ryan Bartz helping the Cardinals maintain a solid lead. Even though Wabash put up a strong fight, the Cardinals remained composed and never allowed the Little Giants to get within striking distance. With a 25-21 victory in the third set, Ball State completed the sweep, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

Key Performances

The standout player of the night was Rajé Alleyne, who made an immediate impact in his first game with the Cardinals. Alleyne led the team with eight kills and also contributed with one block, helping set the tone for the offense. His all-around performance made it clear that he will be an important player for Ball State this season.

Lucas Machado was another key contributor, not only with his strong playmaking abilities but also with a career-high three service aces. Machado’s 32 assists helped guide the Cardinals’ offense, ensuring they stayed on track and never lost their rhythm. His ability to control the pace of the game and distribute the ball effectively will make him a pivotal player throughout the season.

Tinaishe Ndavazocheva and Patrick Rogers were also vital in the attack, each contributing five kills. Their offensive contributions were crucial in keeping the pressure on Wabash and preventing any potential comebacks. Meanwhile, the defensive contributions of the entire team, including solid blocks and digs, ensured that Wabash never gained any significant momentum.

Team Play and Efficiency

One of the most impressive aspects of the Cardinals’ performance was their team play and overall efficiency. As a unit, Ball State finished the night with a hitting percentage of .485 (40-7-68), a testament to their excellent attacking skills. They also served up 10 aces, further demonstrating their dominance in all aspects of the game. With such impressive numbers, it was clear that the Cardinals were firing on all cylinders and ready to take on any opponent that came their way.

The Next Challenge

After such an authoritative win, Ball State men’s volleyball is gearing up for their next challenge. The team will be back in action this Sunday at 1 pm ET as they host Trine University in Worthen Arena. The Cardinals will look to continue their momentum and remain undefeated early in the season. With a strong roster and solid performances across the board, Ball State is well-positioned to make a run at the top of the NCAA rankings.

As the season unfolds, fans can expect more thrilling performances from the Cardinals as they continue to build chemistry and strengthen their position as one of the top teams in the country. With key players like Alleyne, Machado, Ndavazocheva, and Rogers leading the charge, the Cardinals look poised to have a successful season.