With a share of the Mid-American Conference title secured, the only question surrounding the men's tennis team was would it finish the season flawless in conference play? Ball State (15-7, 5-0) answered with a 4-3 victory over Northern Illinois (14-9, 3-2).
The win against the Huskies marked the 14th season the Cardinals have finished undefeated in MAC play under head coach Bill Richards.
The Cardinals started strong in doubles, but soon saw the solid start turn sour, losing two of three matches. The No. 1 team of senior Kevin Burnett and freshman Matt Baccarani lost 8-4. Richards said the long, rangy Northern Illinois No. 1 team of Raymond van Wasbeek and Aaron Forsberg gave his team problems.
"They're two big strong guys, and they come right at you," he said.
The No. 3 team of sophomores Brad Rhodes and Klint Knable lost 8-6. The Cardinals victory in doubles came from senior Chris Varga and freshman Patrick Thompson 9-8 (3).
Richards said the loss in doubles disappointed him because the team started the match flat.
"I had talked all week about being ready to go and respecting them, and we just didn't seem to have a whole lot of pop as far as the doubles were concerned," he said.
In singles action Richards said the Cardinals played with a chip on their shoulder and regained focus.
Senior Chris Varga who beat Van Wasbeek in No. 1 singles led Ball State in his final home match. The win by Varga gave the Cardinals a 2-1 edge with four singles matches remaining. Entering the competition, Varga and Van Wasbeek were unbeaten in conference singles play.
"I knew it was going to be a tough match, but Chris [Varga] came out and he was the guy who had the 'would not be denied' attitude," Richards said.
Varga won the first set 6-1 and won the second set 6-4 after Van Wasbeek hung close for the first several points.
"[Varga] has the tendency to look around and see what the other guys are doing and try to get on those guys that are struggling," Richards said. "That let Van Wasbeek back in it, but it was a very impressive performance by Chris [Varga]."
The Cardinals also claimed victories in No. 2 by Baccarani 6-3, 6-1, No. 4 sophomore Matt Laramore 6-2, 6-3 and No. 6 Rhodes 6-1, 6-2. No. 3 Burnett lost his final home singles match 6-4, 6-4.
"We're glad to be through it," Richards said. "I knew it would be a difficult match from an emotional standpoint just avoiding a letdown."
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