March 9, 2004

Box Score

MUNCIE, Ind. - The Lewis University men's volleyball team shocked conference-leading Ball State on the Cardinals' home floor to send a message to the league that there is a lot of time left in the regular season and the Flyers are far from dead in the water.

The same day Lewis (9-10, 5-3 Midwest Intercollegiate Volleyball Association) fell out of the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) top 15 poll for the first time since 1996, a span of 132 consecutive weeks, the Flyers swept Ball State 30-26, 30-20, 30-27.

The Flyers relied on a balanced attack that led to a .341 hitting percentage and a strong service game to beat the No. 8-ranked Cardinals (13-3, 6-1 MIVA). Lewis registered seven service aces, including four from junior Jeff Soler to keep Ball State out of its offensive rhythm. The Cardinals were held to a .231 hitting percentage and were outdug 25-12.

Soler led the Flyers with 13 kills, while senior Fabiano Barreto produced 11 kills, four blocks and a .400 hitting percentage. Sophomore Enrique Escalante added 10 kills, an ace and two blocks.

The victory keeps Lewis near the top of the league after being in danger of falling four games back of Ball State. Instead, the Flyers draw into a three-way tie with Ohio State and Loyola for third place, while IPFW (8-1) assumes a one-game lead over Ball State.

Lewis' next match is Saturday, March 13 when it travels to Findlay for an MIVA matchup.