As Spring Break looms and Ball State University students hit the road to exotic locations like Panama City Beach and South Padre Island, it gives them an opportunity to worry about absolutely nothing school-related for a week.
Somebody forgot to inform the women's tennis team, however.
The Cardinals will play four matches in six days in the Carolinas, lining up matches with South Carolina State University, the College of Charleston, the University of North Carolina-Wilmington and Charleston Southern University.
"I guess you call that a working vacation," coach Kathy Bull joked. "I took advantage of an eight or nine-day break. All we have to worry about is playing tennis, playing outdoors and getting some things figured out."
The road trip will give Ball State a chance to play outdoors for the first time in the spring season. One of the players struggling in indoor play, Haly Calderwood, is looking forward to the change of scenery.
"I like [playing] outside a lot more," Calderwood said. "The ball doesn't come as fast. I have so much more time to set up the point; it suits my game a little bit more. Inside, the ball is a little too fast for me."
However, in the past two weeks, the junior has slowly found her game. Last week, she was named Mid-American Conference Player of the Week, winning both singles matches against Butler University and Valparaiso University.
"To be honest, I was a little surprised," Calderwood said. "It's a pretty big honor. I'm pretty happy about it."
A disadvantage for the Cardinals is their lack of knowledge pertaining to next week's four opponents.
Bull said her main focus is getting the Cardinals adjusted to the outdoor style of play. Elements like wind and temperature, which don't factor into indoor play, can create havoc for tennis players.
"Right now, I'm worrying about my own internal preparation with my women," Bull said. "Right now it's got to be about us learning how to play outdoor tennis and changing our game a little bit, and we have a couple days to do that."
During the course of the four matches, Bull said she expects to change her lineup once again. Calderwood and Sophie Quist may switch back-and-forth between the No. 1 and No. 2 singles slots. Jennifer Pollack, Christine Stromberg and Emma Retter are entrenched at the No. 3, 4 and 5 spots, respectively. It will be a match-time decision on whether Katherine Rist or Polina Askerko will play No. 6.
Stephanie Farrar, who plays No. 3 doubles, will not make the trip. She will stay in Muncie to receive treatment for her injured back.-á
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