Amber Aniston • May 3, 2026

Ball State Outlasts Pepperdine in Five Sets to Advance to NCAA Semifinals

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. — Ball State delivered a resilient and high-pressure performance Saturday night, defeating Pepperdine in five sets (25–23, 23–25, 25–22, 19–25, 16–14) in the NCAA Tournament regional final at Riverview Health Arena. 


The Cardinals improved to 26–4 on the season and advanced to the NCAA Men’s Volleyball Championship semifinals, while Pepperdine concluded its season at 24–7 after a tightly contested match that featured multiple momentum swings and a dramatic fifth set finish. 


Tight Opening Set Goes to Ball State 


The match began with a competitive opening set, as both teams exchanged points and maintained a narrow margin throughout. Pepperdine stayed within reach despite struggling offensively early, keeping the score close deep into the set. 


Ball State maintained composure in the closing moments, executing key plays to create a slight edge. The Cardinals closed out the set 25–23, gaining an early advantage in a tightly contested frame. 


The opening set established the tone for a match defined by close scoring and momentum shifts. 


Pepperdine Responds to Even Match 


Pepperdine answered in the second set with improved offensive efficiency, matching Ball State’s intensity and execution. The Waves found rhythm at the net and generated consistent scoring opportunities. 


The set remained competitive throughout, but Pepperdine capitalized on key moments to secure a 25–23 victory. The result evened the match at one set apiece and shifted momentum. 


The second set highlighted Pepperdine’s ability to adjust and respond under pressure. 


Cardinals Regain Control in Third Set 


The third set featured another tightly contested battle, with both teams trading points and multiple ties. Neither side was able to establish significant separation during much of the frame. 


Ball State executed effectively in the closing stretch, using timely scoring to pull ahead. The Cardinals secured a 25–22 victory, taking a 2–1 lead in the match and placing Pepperdine under pressure. 


The set proved to be a key moment in the overall momentum of the match. 


Waves Force Decisive Fifth Set 


Facing elimination, Pepperdine delivered a strong response in the fourth set. The Waves improved their offensive efficiency and controlled the pace, building a lead through consistent attacking. 


Pepperdine maintained its advantage throughout the set, limiting Ball State’s ability to generate momentum. The Waves closed out the set 25–19, forcing a decisive fifth set. 


The fourth set demonstrated Pepperdine’s resilience and determination to extend the match. 


Fifth Set Decided in Final Points 


The deciding set unfolded as a back-and-forth battle, featuring multiple ties and lead changes. Pepperdine gained an early advantage and later reached match point with a 14–12 lead. 


Ball State responded under pressure, scoring consecutive points to tie the set and extend the match. The Cardinals capitalized on momentum in the closing moments, delivering back-to-back service aces to secure a 16–14 victory. 


The final sequence highlighted Ball State’s composure and ability to execute in high-pressure situations. 


Balanced Offensive Effort Leads Ball State 


Ball State’s success was driven by a balanced offensive approach, with contributions from multiple players throughout the match. The team maintained steady production across all five sets, creating consistent scoring opportunities. 


The Cardinals also demonstrated strong efficiency during key stretches, particularly in the second and third sets where they maintained high hitting percentages. 


The balanced attack allowed Ball State to remain competitive and respond effectively to Pepperdine’s runs. 


Serving and Net Play Prove Critical 


Ball State’s performance from the service line and at the net played a major role in the victory. The Cardinals generated multiple service aces, including the decisive points in the fifth set that secured the match. 


Defensively, Ball State maintained pressure with blocking and strong positioning, limiting Pepperdine’s ability to sustain scoring runs. The team’s net play proved particularly important during critical stretches of the match. 


The combination of serving and defensive execution allowed Ball State to control key moments. 


Pepperdine Delivers Strong Performance 


Pepperdine delivered a competitive and high-level performance, pushing the match to five sets and creating multiple opportunities to secure the win. Cole Hartke led the offensive effort with 23 kills, providing consistent scoring throughout the match. 


The Waves also demonstrated strong offensive efficiency in key sets, particularly in the second and fourth where they controlled momentum. Pepperdine’s balanced attack and defensive contributions kept the match close. 


Despite the strong performance, the Waves were unable to convert match point opportunities in the fifth set. 


Key Moments Define the Match 


The match was defined by execution in critical moments, particularly in the fifth set where Ball State responded after facing match point. The Cardinals’ ability to convert in the final points ultimately determined the outcome. 


Pepperdine demonstrated resilience and competitiveness but fell just short in the closing stretch. 


Ball State Advances to NCAA Semifinals 


With the victory, Ball State advanced to the NCAA Men’s Volleyball Championship semifinals, marking the program’s first tournament win since 1995. The Cardinals will now compete in the final rounds at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles. 


Final Takeaway 


Ball State’s five-set victory over Pepperdine was defined by resilience, balanced offense, and execution in high-pressure moments. The Cardinals responded after facing match point and capitalized on key opportunities to secure the win. 


Pepperdine showed the ability to compete at a high level but was unable to close out the match in the decisive set. 


With the win, Ball State advances in the NCAA Tournament, continuing its postseason run with momentum and confidence. 

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