The Ball State University women's tennis team looks to boost its confidence as it heads into Bloomington on Sunday to play Indiana University.
The Cardinals (3-2) will be the underdogs in the match against the No. 26 nationally ranked Hoosiers, however, senior No. 1 doubles and No. 3 singles player Jennifer Pollack said she wants her team to be mentally prepared for anything.
"We have nothing to lose, only everything to gain," said Pollack, who is a combined 6-4 this season at singles and doubles. "I think everyone on the team has the ability to play well and stir up some things; it is just a matter of believing that we can. Playing teams like Indiana University makes you a better tennis player in the end."
Indiana is 6-1 this season, and its one loss came on Jan. 27 against No. 17 Duke University.
The Hoosiers' Brianna Williams, a senior, is a combined 13-1 in dual match play this season, including a perfect 7-0 mark at No. 5 and No. 6 singles and 6-1 at No. 3 doubles with freshman Myriam Sopel. They also return 2006 All-Big Ten selection, junior Alba Berdala, who is a combined 9-5 this season in singles and doubles play.
Ball State head coach Kathy Bull said she implemented timing drills this week in practice in order to prepare for Indiana's hard hitters.
"We've been trying to simulate drills and hitting stations that press their timing, and we have been hitting harder and deeper at them," Bull said. "That's really the only difference between our teams. IU will hit with a heavier ball earlier in the points."
Bull said tough matches like Sunday's are critical for postseason success later in the season.
"I'm hoping to see that their confidence grows and that they are capable of standing up and competing with [Indiana], and they are," Bull said. "We can truly hit and play points with anyone. It's just the level of confidence that we struggle with sometimes. We're getting there. We are going to need it before we get to the conference championships and this is a good place to start."
Sunday's match begins at 3 p.m.
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