For the first time in 21 years, the Ball State women's tennis team will start its season with a new head coach when it hosts the Ball State Invitational on Friday.
Coach Christine Bader will lead her team against Wright State, Butler, Illinois State, Dayton and Eastern Kentucky.
"I'm very excited to see the girls play against good competition this weekend," Bader said. "We had a great start to the season, and everyone has been putting in 100 percent effort every day in practices."
The Ball State Invitational is the only home tournament this fall. Bader said staying in Muncie gives her team an advantage.
"The girls are comfortable playing on our own courts and comfortable with the area," she said. "When we're at home, their friends and family can come watch them compete. We also enjoy it when the community comes and supports Ball State tennis."
The tournament, like the rest of fall season, is focused primarily on individual competition, though Bader said she want her players to exercise teamwork. Even if the Cardinals have only their last player left to compete, Bader said she wants the entire team supporting her.
Bader said she'll use the Ball State Invitational and the following fall tournaments to prepare for team play this spring.
"I want everyone to use what we have been working on the past couple of weeks and apply it to the matches," Bader said. "I'm looking for the right combinations for doubles and who will step up in singles for the spring."
As a new era in Ball State women's tennis begins Friday at 9 a.m., Bader said her team is prepared for the two-day tournament.
"We're ready and very excited," she said. "We've gone over our game plans, and it's exciting to finally see them put it in motion."
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