LOS ANGELES — As Hawai'i stormed the court celebrating its five-set victory in front of a boisterous crowd, Ball State stood still.
The Cardinals just discovered their point, which looked like a pancake from junior Sammy Adkisson, had actually hit the floor. The score changed from 14-12 Hawai'i lead to a 15-11 victory fifth set victory from the Rainbow Warriors.
The Ball State players slowly crept onto the floor while the couple hundred fans behind them stood in shared silence. There was sadness, sure, but not disappointment. Even though Ball State lost 3-2 in the men's National Collegiate volleyball championship semifinal, it proved it belonged there as the No.