For the third week in a row, the Ball State University men's tennis team will enter its match with a one-and-done mentality.
Everything is on the line when Ball State welcomes the University at Buffalo to Muncie today.
Buffalo comes in with a perfect 4-0 record in Mid-American Conference play and a win would secure it the regular season title.
"Each match we have played has been the biggest so far because it is for the conference title," coach Bill Richards said. "Next up is Buffalo and the scenario is the same, we have to beat Buffalo to stay in the running."
If the Cardinals win, they would have to beat their next two opponents to take home the crown.
The Cardinals are coming off a 5-2 defeat at the hands of the University of Notre Dame on Wednesday. Despite losing, the recent play may give Ball State an advantage.
"I think after Wednesday we will be more match ready than Buffalo," Cliff Morrison said. "We were able to play freely and without pressure and I think that helped us. Most people played well on Wednesday and I definitely think that is going to help."
Comparing results, Ball State and Buffalo match up relatively closely. The two schools both beat Western Michigan University and the University of Toledo with identical scores, 4-3, in both matches.
"There is no team we can't compete with," said Morrison. "Regardless of how good they are, we are the better team."
Confidence seems to be high riding into the match against Buffalo and Ball State is looking to ride it all the way to the title.
"Our win against Western [Michigan] really gave us so much relief," Morrison said. "Now we are starting to believe we are very good team. We have a lot of respect for them and we aren't going to be taking them lately, but this is our turn. It is our year to win [the title]."
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