With a current nine-game winning streak under its belt, it seems the Ball State men's tennis team may have found its groove.
In its matchups against Eastern Illinois and Indiana Tech today, Ball State will look to continue its streak.
Coach Bill Richards said the team's focus heading into its two matches has been recovering physically and making sure they're fresh.
Richards said the team has also been making sure it has the right frame of mind.
"We've been talking about not letting down, making sure we're ready to play and not taking anyone lightly," he said.
Indiana Tech is one team Ball State may need to keep its eye on. The Cardinals current roster has never faced the Warriors, meaning they are unfamiliar with their talent and style of play.
Sophomore Austin Smith, however, said these games will be more like practice matches for the team going forward.
"These matches midway through the season aren't the strongest on our schedule," he said. "I would say they're more of a confidence boost for our team; making sure we're doing all those right things and maybe adding some variety into our games."
Freshman Ray Leonard and Smith seem to be doing all the right things in their past few singles matches. Leonard is going into today's match riding a nine-match winning streak while Smith has his own eight-match winning streak.
"My main focus right now has been getting stronger in the weight room," Smith said. "I would also say patience and knowing that I have more endurance than my opponent. If he wants to stay out on the court and grind all day, I'll stand right back out there with him and battle back as long as I need to win the match."
Looking forward to Eastern Illinois and Indiana Tech, Richards said hopefully the matches won't come down to the wire like it did against Illinois State and Army.
"Hopefully, it will be everyone taking care of business," he said. "But if it comes down to that last minute, I'm sure they'll be fine because they are confident right now."
First serve in the Eastern Illinois and Indiana Tech matchups will be at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively, at the Muncie YMCA Tennis Center.
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