Ball State men's volleyball team advances to the NCAA Final Four after defeating Pepperdine in the tournament. Key players include Ryan Louis, Jacob Surette, and Victor Scherer.
Key points
Ball State men's volleyball advances to NCAA Final Four
Defeated Pepperdine in NCAA Tournament match
Key players include Ryan Louis, Jacob Surette, and Victor Scherer
Match held on May 2, 2026
Location: Riverview Health Arena
Ball StatePepperdineNCAA TournamentRyan Louis
Ball State sophomore opposite Ryan Louis, junior middle blocker Jacob Surette and sophomore outside hitter Wil Basilio block the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State senior libero Victor Scherer celebrates a point against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State sophomore opposite Ryan Louis and junior middle blocker Will Patterson block the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State sophomore outside hitter Wil Basilio hits the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State junior setter Lucas Machado, junior middle blocker Will Patterson and senior outside hitter Patrick Rogers block the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Q&A
How did Ball State men's volleyball reach the NCAA Final Four?
Ball State men's volleyball reached the NCAA Final Four by defeating Pepperdine in the NCAA Tournament.
Who are the standout players for Ball State in the NCAA Tournament?
Standout players for Ball State include sophomore Ryan Louis, junior Jacob Surette, and senior Victor Scherer.
When did Ball State play against Pepperdine in the NCAA Tournament?
Ball State played against Pepperdine on May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena.
What was the significance of the match against Pepperdine for Ball State?
The match against Pepperdine was significant as it secured Ball State's spot in the NCAA Final Four.
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Ball State sophomore opposite Ryan Louis and junior middle blocker Jacob Surette block the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State junior setter Lucas Machado sets the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State senior libero Victor Scherer hits the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State senior outside hitter Patrick Rogers hits the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State junior setter Lucas Machado and junior middle blocker Jacob Surette block the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
A volleyball during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State junior middle blocker Will Patterson hits the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State senior outside hitter Patrick Rogers celebrates a point against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State head coach Mike Iandolo stands on the sideline against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball state fans cheer during an NCAA Tournament match against Pepperdine Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State senior libero Victor Scherer celebrates a point against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State junior middle blocker Will Patterson and sophomore opposite Ryan Louis celebrates a point against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State senior outside hitter Patrick Rogers serves the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State junior middle blocker Jacob Surette and sophomore outside hitter Wil Basilio block the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball state fans cheer during an NCAA Tournament match against Pepperdine Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State junior setter Lucas Machado, junior middle blocker Will Patterson and sophomore opposite Ryan Louis block the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State junior opposite Marty Canavan runs down the sideline against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State senior libero Victor Scherer celebrates a point against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State freshman middle blocker Daniel Günther celebrates a point against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State senior outside hitter Patrick Rogers celebrates a point against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State freshman outside hitter Tyler Windt celebrates a point against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State freshman outside hitter Tyler Windt celebrates a point against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
The Ball State volleyball bench cheers on Ball State senior outside hitter Patrick Rogers against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State senior libero Victor Scherer celebrates a point against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State senior libero Victor Scherer crys after winning against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State senior outside hitter Patrick Rogers cheers after winning against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State senior outside hitter Patrick Rogers cheers after winning against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State junior setter Lucas Machado and freshman outside hitter Tyler Windt hug after winning against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State senior outside hitter Patrick Rogers cheers after winning against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State men’s volleyball team cheers after receiving their ticket to the men’s volleyball championship after beating Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament regional match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State men’s volleyball team cheers after receiving their ticket to the men’s volleyball championship after beating Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament regional match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State sophomore opposite Ryan Louis, junior middle blocker Jacob Surette and sophomore outside hitter Wil Basilio block the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State sophomore opposite Ryan Louis, junior middle blocker Jacob Surette and sophomore outside hitter Wil Basilio block the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State senior libero Victor Scherer celebrates a point against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State sophomore opposite Ryan Louis and junior middle blocker Will Patterson block the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State sophomore outside hitter Wil Basilio hits the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State junior setter Lucas Machado, junior middle blocker Will Patterson and senior outside hitter Patrick Rogers block the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State sophomore opposite Ryan Louis and junior middle blocker Jacob Surette block the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State junior setter Lucas Machado sets the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State senior libero Victor Scherer hits the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State senior outside hitter Patrick Rogers hits the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State junior setter Lucas Machado and junior middle blocker Jacob Surette block the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
A volleyball during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State junior middle blocker Will Patterson hits the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State senior outside hitter Patrick Rogers celebrates a point against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State head coach Mike Iandolo stands on the sideline against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball state fans cheer during an NCAA Tournament match against Pepperdine Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State senior libero Victor Scherer celebrates a point against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State junior middle blocker Will Patterson and sophomore opposite Ryan Louis celebrates a point against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State senior outside hitter Patrick Rogers serves the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State junior middle blocker Jacob Surette and sophomore outside hitter Wil Basilio block the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball state fans cheer during an NCAA Tournament match against Pepperdine Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State junior setter Lucas Machado, junior middle blocker Will Patterson and sophomore opposite Ryan Louis block the ball against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State junior opposite Marty Canavan runs down the sideline against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State senior libero Victor Scherer celebrates a point against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State freshman middle blocker Daniel Günther celebrates a point against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State senior outside hitter Patrick Rogers celebrates a point against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State freshman outside hitter Tyler Windt celebrates a point against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State freshman outside hitter Tyler Windt celebrates a point against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
The Ball State volleyball bench cheers on Ball State senior outside hitter Patrick Rogers against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State senior libero Victor Scherer celebrates a point against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State senior libero Victor Scherer crys after winning against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State senior outside hitter Patrick Rogers cheers after winning against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Patrick Rogers serves Ball State men's volleyball into NCAA Final Four
Ball State senior outside hitter Patrick Rogers cheers after winning against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State junior setter Lucas Machado and freshman outside hitter Tyler Windt hug after winning against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State senior outside hitter Patrick Rogers cheers after winning against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State men’s volleyball team cheers after receiving their ticket to the men’s volleyball championship after beating Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament regional match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
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Our best photos of Ball State vs Pepperdine in men's volleyball NCAA Tournament
Ball State men’s volleyball team cheers after receiving their ticket to the men’s volleyball championship after beating Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament regional match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
NOBLESVILLE — It was only fitting for the match to come down to the hand of Patrick Rogers.
Ball State men's volleyball was locked into a battle with Pepperdine in an NCAA Regional Championship match. The Cardinals and Waves had traded the first four sets to force a fifth that was truly wild. The Waves went up 4-1 early, but the Cardinals rallied to take an 11-7 lead.
Then it was Pepperdine's turn to rally, stringing together a 7-1 run to force match point at 14-12. A service error by the Waves put the ball in Rogers' hands to serve it back, and Ball State came up with a block to tie it at 14 as the MIVA Player of the Year returned to the service line.
"I wouldn't have rather had anybody else but Pat on the line in that moment," Ball State coach Mike Iandolo said.
Rogers answered the call, ripping two consecutive aces to secure a 16-14 fifth set and give Ball State a 3-2 (25-23, 23-25, 25-22, 19-25, 16-14) victory for the match. The Cardinals clinched a spot in the NCAA Final Four, which will be played in Los Angeles, California.
Rogers finished with 15 kills and a match-high four service aces.
"The main thing was to stay together and lean on each other when we were down," Rogers said. "It kind of came down to serve and pass from the beginning of the game. That's one of the keys, and obviously, it came down to it in those last couple of minutes. It was just so much fun, I was so grateful to be in that situation."
The 4-seed Cardinals were designated as the host but were away from their home floor due to Worthen Arena being occupied by Ball State commencement ceremonies. Instead, the match was played at the Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile in Noblesville in front of a crowd of 1,252 — most of them clad in Ball State red and black to create a raucous pro-Cardinals environment.
"We play for them just as much as we play for us," sophomore opposite Ryan Louis said of the Cardinals fans. "The energy they give helps us play so much. It's the reason why we're almost undefeated at home. The energy we get from the crowd is what helps us play well."
According to athletic director Jeff Mitchell, the Ball State administration began seeking out alternative host sites several weeks ago when the team's hosting chances began feeling more legitimate. With the knowledge that Worthen would be impossible due to graduation, Ball State explored options in Muncie and the greater Indianapolis area before the Riverview Health Arena emerged as the strongest site.
"The arena here was gracious enough to let us explore it, we worked collaboratively with leadership here, and it turned out to be a fantastic experience, not only for Ball State but for Fort Valley State and Pepperdine as well," Mitchell said.
Ball State's frontline defense seemed to feed off the crowd more than any other unit, as the Cardinals tied their season-high with 17.5 total blocks. Junior middle Will Patterson posted a career-high 11 total blocks (all assists) and was the third Cardinal with double-digit kills at 12. With starting middle Braydon Savitski-Lynde still nursing a sprained ankle, the play Ball State has gotten in his stead from Patterson, Jacob Surette and Daniel Günther has kept the team afloat.
Middle wasn't the only spot where Ball State's younger depth shined. Freshman outside hitter Tyler Windt checked in as a serve sub and served for three consecutive Cardinal points in the critical fifth set.
"We don't have the success that we do without the depth we have and the competition we see every day in practice," Iandolo said. "Those guys being able to step in when we need them, whether it's Tyler (Windt) as a serve sub, Marty (Canavan) or Griffin (Satterfield) as a double dub, or any one of our middles that's been in and had to play for us. It's awesome to see because we've been doing it all year, I know I can rely on it in big moments, and then you see that tonight.
"We made a comeback with Tyler serving in the fifth set. How many coaches are going to go to a freshman to serve in a fifth set when you're down three points? I can do that because we've got the guys."
In a sport historically dominated by the West Coast, Ball State will be the lone Midwest team represented in this year's Final Four. With one of the strongest men's volleyball traditions east of the Mississippi River, the Cardinals will have a good chance to add a national championship to their rich history next weekend in California.
"It takes the support we get and then finding the right guys who are willing to come here and put in the work to be successful," Iandolo said. "It's really easy to, on the recruiting trail, lose guys to schools out there because they know that they go there, they're going to have those opportunities to compete on the big stage, but I think we're really showing out. Twice in five years we're going to the Final Four. We can be one of those programs, and we've just got to continue that."
Ball State will take on UC Irvine in the first semifinal match Saturday, May 9, at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, California. The Anteaters upset No. 1-seed and Final Four host UCLA in five sets to advance to the semifinal.
Ball State senior outside hitter Patrick Rogers cheers after winning against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
Ball State senior outside hitter Patrick Rogers cheers after winning against Pepperdine during an NCAA Tournament match Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.
