After beginning the season with a win in the Ball State University Tennis Invitational last weekend, the Cardinals will attempt to continue their success in the Milwaukee Classic today.
The Milwaukee Classic will consist of singles and doubles events, and a point system will determine placing. With four teams competing in the classic, this tournament will parallel a dual match, which is a head-to-head face off against one other school instead of a large tournament bracket.
Ball State's dual match season starts Jan. 18 against University of Illinois, but Richards considers this tournament good practice.
"This is a different format, in the years past it has just been a big open draw tournament," Richards said. "This year there are just four teams there. It's not a dual-match tournament, but it gives you the feel of playing in dual matches. It is an individual tournament, and there will be an individual champion."
The Cardinals will face University of DePaul, Wichita State University, and Marquette University in the Milwaukee Classic this weekend.
"The competition will be tough and it will be more like dual matches," Richards said. "There won't be any easy matches where you might get lucky with the draw. Everyone is going to be playing their players there in order of ability, and I think every team there is fairly solid."
Ball State had three players win their flights and two other players advance to their semifinals last weekend.
Freshman Eduardo Pavia won the Singles-A flight in his season opener, but is still looking to improve his game at the collegiate level.
"Last weekend I think I competed better than anyone, but I still have to improve a lot of things, especially my serve," said Pavia.
Pavia said this weekend will be a great opportunity for the Cardinals, because of the teams they are playing.
"It will be a test for us, and a chance to see a preview for next semester," the freshman said.
Ball State lost to DePaul last year in a 4-3 match and didn't play Marquette or Wichita State, but right now all the teams there are in the same range, according to the Ball State coach.
"Hopefully our people will have the best tournament, but I think it will be pretty close," Richards said.
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