After playing two ranked opponents in its first four dual matches, the Ball State University men's tennis team will take a break from top 25 talent when it plays a doubleheader Saturday.
The Cardinals face Valparaiso University and the University of Indianapolis back-to-back in the first of two double-dual-match meets of their spring schedule.
With No. 4 University of Illinois and No. 21 University of Michigan now behind them, coach Bill Richards said the Crusaders and Greyhounds still deserve the Cardinals' full attention.
"This is just one weekend where the teams we play aren't at the level of the Big Ten teams," Richards said. "You just take each opponent as they come."
Saturday's matches allow the Cardinals to fit in more playing dates beyond the 25 the NCAA regulates.
According to NCAA rules, playing two matches in one day counts as one playing date on a dual-match schedule. It also provides playing opportunities for less-experienced members of the team.
However, with the fewest members on its roster in the last five years, the current eight-man team will see a lot of playing time in both singles and doubles this weekend.
"We are going to change up lineups and get people playing at places they need more experience," Richards said.
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