The Ball State University men's tennis team (1-3) has battled injury and illness as they prepare to face Michigan State University (4-2) Sunday.-á
Junior Daniel Vidal is out for the season with an ankle injury, and junior Jarrod Epkey will not play this weekend because of back problems, coach Bill Richards said.-á
"[Jarrod's] one of our better players, so of course it's going to hurt," senior Joe Epkey said. "I know we definitely have guys who can step up."
Junior Aaron Philips and freshman Bret Berryman have the flu, but they are probable to play. -á
"We have other guys, and whoever plays is going to have a great opportunity, and certainly we'll play hard," Richards said.
Ball State has defeated Michigan State the last two seasons, including a 4-3 victory last year.-á
"They're much improved this year, and it's going to be a very tough match," Richards said.-á
Ball State's No. 1 singles player, Joe Epkey, will likely be matched up against Nick Rinks, Richards said. Rinks is the No. 51 ranked player in the nation.-á
"Anytime Joe gets to play a ranked opponent, that's a great opportunity for him," Richards said. "Obviously playing No. 1 with the schedule we have, he has many of those opportunities."
Gene Orlando, a former Ball State tennis player and 1987 graduate, has been the Spartans head coach since 1992. Richards said Orlando shares some ideas with him when it comes to coaching.-á
"We share the same philosophy in trying to play a very, very demanding schedule," Richards said. "We think that's the only way to get better."
Though the Cardinals have not won since the season-opener, the team isn't feeling any pressure to win, Richards said.-á
"I don't think we have any greater sense of urgency to win this match just because we lost to a couple very good teams and one average team," Richards said.
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