The Ball State University men's tennis team kicked off its Mid-American Conference season with a 5-2 victory over the University at Buffalo.
Coach Bill Richards said the trip to Buffalo, N.Y. can be very draining, but the team still played well.
"We just took care of business one match at a time," Richards said. "Buffalo is a tough trip, but we did a good job of getting a win."
Ball State (5-8, 1-0 MAC) started out strong, sweeping the doubles matches. Richards said that winning the doubles point was a motivator for continuing to play well throughout the singles matches.
"I think it always helps when you win the doubles point," Richards said. "It definitely was a big boost for the rest of the match."
In the singles matches, all four Ball State players beat their opponents in two sets. Joe Epkey defeated Mike Rockman 6-1, 6-1 and Bret Berryman beat Yules Hadisubroto, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4). At No. 5 singles, Jimmy Brannon won over Albert Alant, 6-3, 6-3 and Joe Vallee continued his good play, defeating Octavian Stane 7-5, 6-4.
It was important for the Cardinals to start off MAC play with a victory after struggling in non-confernce play.
"We're feeling pretty good after the win," Epkey said. "Buffalo is definitely a team we should beat. It feels good to get our first MAC win."
Since the match Friday was indoors, the team has to readjust to playing outdoors. In the past few weeks the Cardinals have been on the road to Las Vegas, Buffalo, and Michigan. Richards said during this time of the season, practices are less strenuous because being on the road is both physically and mentally draining.
"We're outside practicing right now," Richards said. "We had a short practice outdoors [Sunday]. Practice this time of year with travel and matches are short. We just try to keep everyone fresh mentally and physically."
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