OXFORD, Ohio - The second half of Mid-American Conference play begins with a five-match homestand for the Miami University volleyball team. It stars this weekend with MAC West Division leader Ball State on Friday at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Toledo comes to Millett Hall for a 5 p.m. contest. Both matches will stream live on RedHawk All-Access for those with a subscription.

PROMOTIONS FOR BALL STATE FRIDAY: It is the Faculty and Staff Appreciation Match. There will be an autograph session after the match with free autograph cards and posters provided. Fans can receive free entry to the match with purchase of a hockey ticket to one of the two games against UMass Lowell.

PROMOTIONS FOR TOLEDO SATURDAY: This is Miami volleyball's Heroes Night match. There will be a discounted ticket rate available for all veterans, active military personnel, and first responders by calling (513) 529-4295 or showing their ID at the Ticket Office. Fans can receive free entry to the match with purchase of a hockey ticket to one of the two games against UMass Lowell. Those in attendance will receive free mini American flags. ABOUT BALL STATE: The Cardinals have had a fantastic season, as they are currently 16-5 overall and tied for the MAC lead at 7-1. They won their past six matches in a row, dropping only one set total in the process. Last weekend, they opened with a 3-1 victory over Ohio. They followed that up with a straight set victory over Kent State. Ball State is led by junior setter Amber Seaman. The older sister of Miami's Morgan Seaman, she leads the MAC with 786 assists, an average of 10.48 per set. Offensively, senior outside hitter Ellie Dunn leads the way with 285 kills, an average of 3.75 per set.

SERIES WITH CARDINALS: Ball State is one of only two team in the MAC to hold a winning record all-time against Miami as it leads the series 40-36. The RedHawks have won the last two meetings, including a 3-1 (25-22, 20-25, 25-20, 25-22) decision in their meeting last season in Muncie on Oct. 21, 2017. Katie Tomasic led Miami with 18 kills in the victory.

ABOUT TOLEDO: Under a new coaching staff this season, the Rockets are 8-11 overall and 3-5 in the MAC. Last weekend, they fell to Kent State, 1-3, on Friday, but followed it up with a 3-2 win over Ohio on Saturday. Toledo is led offensively by sophomore outside hitter Chloee Kleespies. She has 285 kills, an average of 3.75 per set. It also has one of the top liberos in the league in senior Maurissa Leonard. She has 443 digs, an average of 5.91 per set.

SERIES WITH ROCKETS Miami holds a 42-12 lead in the all-time series with Toledo. The RedHawks have won four straight against the Rockets, including a 3-0 (25-16, 25-10, 25-22) victory in their last meeting on Oct. 22, 2017 in Toledo. Miami held UT to a .031 attack percentage to roll to the victory.