Ball State men's tennis players have been waiting for Mid-American Conference play like children waiting for Christmas.
MAC action is finally here with Northern Illinois traveling to Muncie Friday at 1 p.m.
"We've had a long wait," coach Bill Richards said. "The regular season is still important, but the conference season is definitely the most important."
For Ball State to win the MAC regular season crown, the Cardinals will more than likely have to run the table, finishing with a perfect 5-0 conference record.
Toledo and Western Michigan are both 2-0 in conference, while Buffalo and Chicago State stand at 0-2. Northern Illinois is 1-1 with a loss to Western Michigan.
Ball State can set itself up for a run in the MAC with wins against Northern Illinois on Friday and at Toledo on Sunday.
The Cardinals' match with the Huskies has no clear favorite. Even though Ball State defeated Northern Illinois last year, its No. 1 singles player a year ago, Eduardo Pavia, transferred during the summer.
"We beat them last year," Richards said. "We are a player short with Pavia gone. They have a new recruit playing No. 1. I think it will be a tough match."
Ball State is 9-11 on the year and has struggled against good teams, with all 11 losses coming as underdogs.
Fortunately for the Cardinals, everyone on the roster is healthy for the first time this season.
Juniors Andres Monroy and Cliff Morrison have missed stretches of matches this season and appear to be ready.
"We are healthy," Coach Richards said. "Cliff responded well. Andres is healthy, just short on match experience."
More good news for Ball State is three of the five MAC matches will be at home, including preseason favorite Western Michigan.
"Western Michigan is by far the favorite," Richards said. "They were picked preseason No. 1. They've been the team to beat the last four years."
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