Ball State had two major conference foes this season: Northern Illinois and Western Michigan. After starting the season with eleven losses to ranked opponents, the Cardinals hopes for an 18th Mid-American Conference Championship seemed to be less likely than in years past. Now the Cardinals have only one hurdle between them and the MAC Championship by beating Northern Illinois 4-3 over the weekend.
"It was the type of match I expected," coach Bill Richards said. "We came out ready to play and dominated in doubles. In singles, it was close. It was a good college tennis match, and we came out on top 4-3, and I was happy to get out of there with a win."
The Cardinals (11-11, 4-0 in the MAC) came into DeKalb, Ill. with a purpose, and showed that quickly. In doubles the Cards dominated Northern Illinois (14-5, 1-2) early on, sweeping the doubles point in convincing fashion.
Matt Baccarani and Patrick Thompson won 8-2, Matt Laramore and Brad Rhodes triumphed 8-3, and Klint Knable and Paul Newman also won 8-3.
"It's so hard to know what's going to happen," coach Bill Richards said. "After the doubles point I told the guys 'That's what we wanted from doubles. I just hope you don't let down in singles.' I think different guys handled it in different ways. We came up with the singles wins we needed, a solid effort and solid level of play."
Singles was much closer, with two really close matches. Thompson lost two sets very quickly while Klint Knable scored the quick victory for the Cardinals. Fortunately for the Cards, it would not come down to the final match. The Cards led 3-2, thanks to a victory from Paul Newman, when Matt Laramore won 6-7, 6-3, 6-3.
"The keys were dominating the doubles, and winning two quick singles matches," Richards said. "Laramore was the one who really roughed it out, Matt was the really guy who gut us over the hump."
The win bumped the Cardinals record to .500. and they will ride their five game winning streak into's Saturday's MAC title game against No. 57 Western Michigan.
"I'm just happy to be going Western Michigan with an opportunity to win a championship and be playing for (MAC title) No. 18," Richards said.
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