After a blowout loss to DePaul this past weekend, the University of Cincinnati could be just what the Ball State women's tennis team needs. The Bearcats have not won a match this year, and are 0-9 on the season.
The Cardinals will take off on a week-long road trip today. Because of this, the players have had to finish up midterms in the beginning of the week. Coach Kathy Bull said she hopes her team doesn't come out tired on Wednesday.
"We're kind of dragging," Bull said. "I got student athletes [who] take their studies very seriously. With us leaving on Wednesday, it kind of messes us up a little bit."
Senior Katie Owens said spring break could be a factor in the Cards' play.
"They're pretty good," Owens said. "It worries me a little because it's the start of our spring break. We have a long week ahead of us. They're not an easy opponent by any means."
Along with that, Ball State is battling injuries. Stephanie Farrar didn't practice on Monday. Instead she received treatment for an injured back. Farrar and Bull did about an hour of hitting on Tuesday to see if she'll be ready for tonight's match. Bull said she expects Farrar to play.
Also, Owens is hurting with chronic shin splints. To combat all of this, the team had two light practices this week.
"I'm getting treatment everyday," Owens said. "I'm getting medicine so I'll be OK for the next six days. I've had them for a long time so it's not anything new. It's just getting worse as the season goes along."
Cincinnati played its first three matches with only four singles players and are currently battling injuries and sickness, which has led to multiple lineup changes. Bull said none of that matters.
"They've always notoriously been a scrappy team," she said. "They'll fight with you, so we've got to be prepared. We'll match up with them very well, and it will be a good, competitive match."
Match time is at 8:30 p.m. and held at Queen City Racquet Club in Cincinnati.
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