The 7-0 sweep the Ball State University men's tennis team witnessed at the hands of No. 64 Michigan State University Saturday left coach Bill Richards wondering about his team's inconsistencies.
Finishing winless from a three-match road trip, the loss to the Spartans continued the trend of the Cardinals' struggles against ranked teams.
"Our play is spotty," Richards said. "We were hoping that everyone could put it together [at Michigan State]. I just thought it was winnable. We were in the match."
Ball State's singles play took two of its competitors to three sets as freshman Eduardo Pavia almost beat Nick Rinks in No. 1 singles, 6-7 (6-8), 6-4), 1-0 (10-4). Jimmy Brannon went the distance with Scott Rasmussen at No. 6 singles before losing 5-7, 7-6(7-4), 1-0 (10-8).
In doubles action, the duo of Jose Perdomo and Jorge Rodriguez lost a match to the No. 30 ranked tandem of Rinks and Adam Monich. Being up 7-6, the Cardinals lost the lead to the nationally ranked combination before getting closed out 9-8 (7-5).
The remaining matches were decided by a two-set difference as Pavia and Bret Berryman fell 8-6 and Shaun Bussert and Danny Vidal came up short 9-7.
"We just can't seem to come through in the clutch and get lucky when we need too," Richards said. "That doubles point was big. I would think they had some players that wouldn't of come out with as much confidence and sense of purpose in singles if we would of won it."
Despite being winless against ranked opponents, Ball State has remained competitive playing them. The Cardinals have pushed 20 percent of their singles matches to three sets and 25 percent of their double's matches go to tiebreaker.
Berryman said if the team could capture a few close points, then its 0-4 mark against nationally ranked teams would not be an issue.
"It's like we have to find that perfect day when we win those close points," Berryman said. "When we do, it's going to click."
With its conference schedule starting April 6 against Northern Illinois University, Richards said one win against a higher ranked opponent might give his team enough confidence down the stretch.
"I think we can find a way to get a win over one of these ranked teams we might be able to turn it around," Richards said. "We need to prepare and be hungry and motivated. We have to find a way to come through."
Ranked Losses
- at No. 8 Illinois, L 7-0
- vs. No. 21 Michigan, L 7-0
- at No. 38 Washington, L 7-0
- at No. 64 Michigan State: L 7-0
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