Traveling out west for a weekend trip may be fun for most college students, but it's strictly business for the Ball State men's' tennis team.
Ball State will test themselves in the Boise State Spring Break Tournament Friday and Saturday.
The Boise State Spring Break Tournament is an annual event comprised mainly of mid-major programs. Ball State has been a regular in the event for the last decade.
"We've been going out there the last eight or nine years," coach Bill Richards said. "It's good to see some different teams. We play teams primarily more out west. It's a tournament format. I think it helps us with the tournament mentality leading up to the conference season."
Marquette is the only major conference school participating. The other six teams include host No. 61 Boise State, No. 57 Idaho, Eastern Washington, Portland, Saint Mary's, and Wichita State.
Out of all eight schools, Ball State has to travel the most. That means money has to be raised to fit the bill.
"We have to be able to pay for it," Richards said. "[Coaches] do a lot of fundraising; it's part of our job description. We solicit alumni and people in the community interested in tennis, all through Cardinal Varsity Club."
Ball State will open play against Saint Mary's at 9:30 a.m. Mountain Standard Time. Ball State will play a second round or consolation match at 2 p.m., which will be determined by the result. The Cardinals will play a third and final match Saturday.
Ball State has been struggling as of late, losing its last five matches. All five matches came against quality opponents on the road including two ranked schools.
Snapping the streak will be even harder without Junior Cliff Morrison. The Cardinal's No. 2 singles player will not make the trip as he is resting his injuried knees.
"We know we will be shorthanded with Cliff not making the trip," Richards said. "But individually and as a team we just try to make progress. There is no substitute for match experience. You can practice all day, all week, or all year but you have to be able to carry that over to a match setting and handle the pressure of a match situation."
The Cardinals are 8-7 and will begin Mid-American Conference play in two weeks.
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