MEN'S TENNIS: Cardinals handle Bulldogs at Cardinal Creek

Ball State sweeps doubles play against Butler, ignited to 12th win of season

Fresh off a shutout loss at the University of Illinois, the Ball State University men's tennis team got back to its winning ways Saturday.

The Cardinals defeated Butler University 6-1 at the Cardinal Creek Tennis Center in Muncie. Ball State improved its record to 11-5 on the season.

"It was a tougher match than the 6-1 score would indicate," coach Bill Richards said. "Our guys came through when they were challenged, so that was a real positive."

After going on an eight-match win streak earlier in the year, Ball State came into Saturday having lost its last two matches.

"I don't think today was as much about coming out strong after a tough loss against Illinois as it was about not having a letdown against Butler," freshman Dalton Albertin said. "We did a good job today staying focused and coming out energized."

Setting the tone early, the Cardinals came out and swept the doubles action. It was the Bulldogs, however, that used this edge to their advantage.

"Beating Butler as bad as we did in doubles really gave them an edge," Richards said. "They were pretty, well, humiliated, and they came out in singles to prove something. Their coach challenged them and they had a good start in singles. We were able to bounce back, but it made for some interesting sets."

The Cardinals went on to control the singles action, losing only one match at No. 4 singles. Four of the matches were won in straight sets.

"I think everyone is playing well and getting used to outdoors," Albertin said. "Hopefully we can keep it going into Boise."

Next up for the Cardinals is the Boise State Invitational next Saturday and Sunday. It is a dual-match tournament with eight teams. The Cardinals will play three matches in two days.

"All the teams there are good and I think at least half of them are nationally ranked," Albertin said. "We're going to go out there swinging and hopefully come back with a few good wins."


Comments

More from The Daily






This Week's Digital Issue


Loading Recent Classifieds...