Muncie, Ind. – The Red Flash dropped an invigorating five-game match to the Ball State Cardinals (MIVA), 3-2, in a non-conference match-up for Saint Francis' third game of the season.

The Flash looked as if they were going to come away with an easy victory in the first part of their extensive journey to the midwest, going up 2-0 against the Cardinals, with both matches reading 30-26.  Yet, the Cardinals, who are coming off of a long trip from Hawaii, resurged and rallied back to win game three in controlling fashion, 30-21.  Saint Francis found themselves on the short end in game four, 30-26, forcing a deciding game five.

“Both teams certainly played their best in the deciding game,” tenth-year head coach Mike Rumbaugh stated.

Unfortunately for the Flash, the Cardinals' .524 hitting percentage outshined SFU's .500 effort in game five.  Saint Francis dropped the last game, 15-13, and the match in five.

Despite the loss, the Red Flash outdid the Cardinals in digs, 48-37, as well as in blocks, 11.5-10.

In game one, SFU outhit BSU .157 to .029.  The second game also heavily favored the Flash, .333 to .065.  Game three switched roles and Ball State came on strong, .552 to .160.  BSU's .226 to SFU's .118 hitting percentage was the deciding factor in game four, thus leading them to carry their momentum into a deciduous game five.

Sophomore outside hitter Jordan Varee (Meadville, Pa./Conneault Valley) paced the way for SFU with 16 kills and 14 digs.  Senior swatter Mark Steele (Martinsburgh, Pa./Central Martinsburgh) chimed in with 11 kills and two service aces.

Junior setter Shane Conley (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Allegheny) stabilized the attack with 53 helpers in the Flash's third game of the season.

In sophomore Pete Freyer's (Orchard Park, N.Y./Orchard Park) first game of the season, the middle hitter maintained his prowess at the front of the net with five blocks, leading the team.  Sophomore Nick Rivett (Pittsburgh, Pa./Fox Chapel) and Shane Conley both stuffed four BSU attempts. 

Sophomore Dave Reilly (Yardley, Pa./Pennsbury) registered his first time of the 2008 campaign, holding his own by tallying nine kills and zero attempts on 13 swings.

The Red Flash slip below .500, but can climb back to 2-2 in the early season with a pivotal tilt against the Buckeyes from Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio on Sunday, January 20 at 7:00pm.