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'A dream team,' some luck and playing for Dr. Don. Looking back at Ball State's return to the NCAA Tournament

MUNCIE, Ind. — What a season it's been for Ball State men's volleyball.

Under the direction of a new head coach, a team comprised of fourth- and fifth-year veterans who haven't previously come close to the NCAA men's volleyball tournament are just two wins away from securing what would be the university's first national championship.

After a 20-year NCAA tournament drought, the Cardinals (23-3) are back atop the national landscape, ranked No. 4 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association poll and No. 2 in the national tournament.

This remarkable run came just months after volleyball saw one of its most prominent figures, Don Shondell, die in November, less than two months before the season.