When the No. 70 Ball State University men's tennis team takes the court this weekend, it will do so having won its last three contests and hoping to continue its hot streak. The Cardinals, fresh off a win Wednesday at No. 75 Michigan State, face the Indiana State Sycamores (3-2) and the Valparaiso Crusaders (0-3) in a doubleheader on Saturday.
Coach Bill Richards tried not to place too much importance on the team's win this week but said the Michigan State match was definitely a good win for his team.
"We felt some pressure going into that match. There was a sense of relief to get that 'W' behind us," Richards said.
The Cardinals would like to see the momentum from that match carry over to this weekend's matches. The first match for the Cardinals will be at 1 p.m. against the Sycamores, which Ball State defeated last year 5-2.
Richards thinks Indiana State will prove to be a strong test for his team.
"Indiana State is good. We had a tough match with them last year. We're going to have to be ready," he said.
Senior Patrick Thompson echoed those same sentiments.
"Indiana State is a good team; we definitely have to be prepared. They played well last year," he said.
Thompson also said the team cannot afford to take any opponent lightly, citing himself as an example when he lost in singles against the University of Indianapolis.
The Cardinals finish their day with a 5 p.m. match versus Valparaiso, a team the Cardinals defeated last year 7-0.
"Valparaiso is a very scrappy team," Richards said. "They've improved over the years."
It is not yet known whether sophomore Jarrod Epkey will play this weekend. Epkey, who is battling a back injury, will continue to be evaluated to see if he will be able to play.
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
