Ball State was given an extra match after the Toledo Invitational was canceled, but had not placed it in their schedule until now. The Cardinals hosted the University of Indianapolis Wednesday and dominated the Greyhounds, winning 7-0.
"I could have chosen not to play, but I did feel that we'd be better off playing this match," coach Bill Richards said. "I thought it would help to get ready for this weekend better than just practicing. At this time in the year, you've been practicing all year, and sometimes it's better to just try and play another match."
The Cardinals (12-11) didn't drop a single set to the Greyhounds, sweeping all six singles matches. Matt Baccarani, Matt Laramore, Brad Rhodes and Paul Newman held their opponents to under two points in their sets.
"It went well, I think it was productive," Richards said. "I think we're better off to play a match like this than not play at all. I think it helps keep you sharp as long as you have the right attitude and came out with the right frame of mind, and I think we did that pretty well today."
The Cards faced the Greyhounds four days before they will travel to Kalamazoo, Mich., to face Western Michigan. The match, between two teams who are 4-0 in the Mid-American Conference, will determine the regular season champion.
"I think it will help us for the weekend, and that was one of the main reasons we added this match when we had this extra playing date," Richards said.
The Cardinals dominated the Greyhounds from the get go, winning all three doubles matches despite the fact that Matt Baccarani and Patrick Thompson sat out. Laramore and Rhodes, and Mike Heule and John Gramelspacher won 8-3, Klint Knable and Newman dominated their Greyhound foes 8-1.
On Tuesday, Newman was named MAC Tennis Player of the Week for the first time, the third consecutive week a Ball State player was honored.
"I think that's great for Paul," Richards said. "It's usually an upper lineup player that gets MAC Player of the (Week). So, for Paul playing at third doubles and five singles, to get that award over all the other individuals from the other conference teams that are playing high in the lineup, I think that is significant."
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