Ball State will have a tough first day if it hopes to advance in the Boise State Invitational today. In the first round, the Cardinals will face Cal Poly, and should they advance, they would face Texas A&M Corpus Christi.
"We have a tough draw," coach Bill Richards said. "The draw was made a month ago and was based on national rankings at that time, so we have the sixth seed. Cal-Poly is not ranked but a very good outdoor team."
The No. 52 Cardinals (11-5) join No. 28 Texas A&M CC, No. 60 Nebraska, No. 65 BYU, New Mexico State, Gonzaga, Cal Poly, Bradley, Marquette, Northern Arizona, Wichita State and host Boise State (No. 31). Division II Montana State-Billings, Division III Whitman and NAIA powerhouses Lewis-Clark State and Santa Fe complete the line up.
Ball State arrived in Boise late Tuesday and practiced. The first round of the tournament started Wednesday, and the second half of the first round continues today.
Teams will compete in two matches on the first day, regardless of the outcome of the first match.
The Cards will face the Mustangs of Cal Poly (5-10) in the first round. Cal Poly placed fourth in the Big West last season.
"We have to keep doing the things we have been," Richards said. "Against Cal Poly, we can't think we're better than we are. We have to play that match like it's going to be the toughest match of the tournament if we don't do that with it's going to be a tough match."
If the Cards are able to advance they will likely face Texas A&M Corpus Christi, who are ranked No. 28 in the nation.
"We'll have to raise our level compared to what it's been [to get the win]," Richards said. "You have to take it to another level to get past a team like that. It's kind of tough to prepare your team when you play two matches in one day. I don't want to talk about Corpus Christi, I don't want my guys thinking about Corpus Christi. I want them focused on Cal Poly.
"It's a good tournament in a nice place. We're ready to get at it again."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
