Ball State University initially struggled with Valparaiso University's unorthodox playing style, but the final score proved the Cardinals were up to the task.
Valparaiso didn't make it easy, but the Cardinals defeated the Crusaders 6-1 in an unusual Monday morning match.
Bull said Valparaiso's conservative game plan, which included playing six feet behind the baseline and waiting for its opponent to make an error, threw her team off its game.
"We made it a little bit tougher on ourselves than we needed to," coach Kathy Bull said. "We didn't know anything about this team going in, which didn't help us. Three or four of their players play a defensive style. It took us awhile to make an adjustment. We worked real hard."
Ball State got it going early in doubles, with the No. 2 doubles team of Christine Stromberg and Sophie Quist and the No. 3 team Stephanie Farrar and Polina Askerko each winning their match 8-2 to earn the doubles point.
The singles matches proved to be tougher. Four of the six singles matches went three sets, with Ball State winning three of the four. Jennifer Pollack dropped the first set to Kim Sajevic 6-2, but rebounded in the final two sets 6-3, 6-2.
Haly Calderwood and Christine Stromberg each won their first sets, dropped the second one, and cruised in the third, winning 6-3 and 6-2, respectively.
"I'll give Valpo credit," Bull said. "When you play someone who doesn't have a real traditional mentality it takes you a little while to adjust. [Stromberg] had a big lead and lost a little bit of focus. She pretty much commanded the third set."
At No. 6 singles, Katherine Rist won the first set 7-6. but dropped the last two 6-3, 6-4.
Quist won her first match of the year at No. 1 singles, dominating Rachel Janssen 6-0, 6-1. Bull said Quist matched up very well with her because of their contrasting styles of play.
"Her game was on," Bull said. "She was in total control of the match. She just controlled the first two or three balls and [Janssen] couldn't keep up with her whatsoever."
Quist said the biggest key in her victory was Janssen's flat shots, playing perfectly into Quist's style of play.
"I knew how to play someone who has a fast game because I trained with them a lot at home," Quist said. "I think I had a mental edge over her and the beginning of the match and she kind of broke down at the end."
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