After breaking a four-match losing streak, things will not get any easier for the Ball State University men's tennis team Saturday.
The Cardinals will travel to the No. 34 University of Kentucky, Ball State's highest ranked opponent since losing to No. 5 University of Illinois January 26.
"We will have to play our best match so far this season to beat them," coach Bill Richards said.
While Ball State has not played Kentucky in a few years, Richards said he is familiar with the team and will call coaches who have played the Wildcats to get scouting reports.
"They are traditionally a very, very strong program," Richards said. "They play in the [Southeastern Conference], arguably the toughest conference in the nation."
All 12 SEC tennis teams are ranked among the top 70 teams in the nation. The University of Georgia is the top-ranked team in the nation. At No. 34, Kentucky is the seventh-ranked SEC school.
Ball State is unranked after beginning the season at No. 69.
"They're definitely really, really good," senior Joe Epkey said. "They're one of the tougher opponents on our schedule."
Epkey will likely play sophomore Bruno Agostinelli in singles. No. 89 Agostinelli defeated No. 1 Steve Moneke of Ohio State University Monday.
"It would be a great opportunity for me," Epkey said. "He will definitely move way up from 89. I haven't had a good, high ranked win this dual match season."
Richards said there is a chance that Kentucky will change its lineup to keep its players fresh on Saturday. The Wildcats will play Butler University after the match against Ball State.
If Kentucky changes its lineup, Epkey might not play Agostinelli. Richards said he will not know Kentucky's lineup until match time.
"I hope [Joe gets to play Agostinelli] so he has that opportunity," Richards said.
The Wildcats are really strong at the top of their lineup, Richards said. The team's best chance to win might be at the No. 5 and 6 positions, though they are also good, he said.
"We need to be able to win down low," Richards said.
The Cardinals could not practice Tuesday or Wednesday because the Muncie YMCA was closed due to the weather.
The two days without practice could either be a positive or negative for the team, Epkey said. The days off could give Ball State extra rest and rejuvenate the team, or it could leave the team rusty.
"It might affect us a little," Epkey said.