Despite a promising 9-5 start to the Alabama Fall Invitational on Friday, the Ball State men's tennis team ended play in Tuscaloosa Saturday with mixed results.
With a combined record of 5-9 in singles and doubles action, Ball State moves its tournament record to 14-14 overall.
Coach Bill Richards said Ball State played well Saturday.
"It wasn't as good in terms of numbers today and we've lost matches we could've won, but our opponents were much better," he said. "I think we've had two great days of match play and we've gotten a lot out of it."
In singles action Saturday, Ball State won four of its 11 matches. All four wins for the Cardinals came at the hands of freshman Patrick Elliott and junior Alex Doherty. Elliott defeated Southern Mississippi and Furman to advance to the finals in the Ingram Draw on Sunday while Doherty defeated Samford and South Alabama to advance to the finals in the Hannah Consolation Draw.
Richards said Elliott's level of play in the Alabama Fall Invitational thus far has been solid.
"Patrick is doing what he has to do," he said. "He is someone we know can contribute to the team this year and is beating who he is supposed to beat."
On the doubles side, Ball State went 1-2 overall. Doherty and Elliott provided the lone victory for the Cardinals with their 9-7 win over Southern Mississippi in the second round of the White Draw.
"I definitely think we have work to do in doubles," Richards said. "I don't think we've played as well in doubles as we need to. Doubles is a little disappointing and there are still things to figure out there."
As for Ball State's final two matches Sunday, Richards said he's looking for his guys to "come out ready to play."
"We need for them [Elliott and Doherty] to finish on a high note," he said. "I think the key is being pretty tough and playing at the level they've been playing at. If they can do that, they have a good chance of winning."
Ball State will wrap up play in the Alabama Fall Invitational on Sunday morning at 9 a.m.
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