After a going through a few tough weeks of losing, the members of the Ball State University women's tennis team were finally able to leave a match with smiles on their faces.
The team claimed a 6-1 victory over the University of Green Bay-Wisconsin on Friday afternoon at the Muncie Northwest YMCA Tennis Center, evening it's record at 5-5 and ending its four game losing streak.
The doubles teams started off the day by winning the doubles point 2-1. Ball State continued its success in the singles matches, posting a 5-1 record.
The Cardinals once again went into the match shorthanded, losing junior Georgina Thompson to a knee injury that was bothering her all week. Last week, Hayley Hall was held out of the match against Cincinnati, and the team unable to overcome her absence.
But this week, the team was able to come out of the match with a winning result.
Sarah Hebble had the most dominating performance of the day, winning 6-3, 6-0. Her strong play led a team that was starving for a victory.
"We all were here giving 100 percent, and we all knew we couldn't quit," Hebble said. "Especially with Georgina out, I think we realized we had to pick it up, and I think we did a good job of that.
Coach Amy Behrman, who said she was disappointed with the team's effort in earlier weeks, praised the team's attitude and desire in the victory.
"I thought we fought hard," she said. "There were a few three-set matches, but we ended up pulling most of them out which was great."
With the win, the team not only equals its win total from last season (five), but heads into the second half of the season with momentum, which Behrman said could be instrumental to the team's future success.
"Hopefully it will be a big boost for us. I hope keep this going in practice and mentally know that we can win now," the rookie coach said.
Ball State will try to build on its victory next Saturday at home against Eastern Illinois University.
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