It's been almost a year since the Ball State men's tennis team won the Mid-American Conference tournament.
The team has dealt with injuries to key players, transfers and new players coming into the program in that time span.
They were also the preseason favorite to win the MAC this season.
In spite of all that has happened the past few months, the Cardinals will begin the run to defend their title this weekend when they travel to Northern Illinois and Chicago State.
"The match against Northern Illinois is the first conference match, and they already have a statement win," Ball State coach Bill Richards said. "They beat Western Michigan 5-2 a week ago today. For us, we're just trying to balance things in terms of working hard, not overworking and mentally being ready to go."
In its two matches against Northern Illinois last season, Ball State was more than ready to go. The team won 7-0 at home on Apr. 8 and 4-0 in the first round of the MAC Tournament on Apr. 28.
Junior Dalton Albertin, who was named the MAC Player of the Week on Wednesday, said the match with Northern Illinois will be a battle.
"There's definitely going to be some adversity," Albertin said. "Some of the matches are going to be close, but I think as long as everybody works hard and competes, I think we'll be OK."
Ball State should survive its matchup with Chicago State on Sunday. The Cardinals have won its previous three matches against them 7-0, 6-0 and 7-0.
Freshman Ray Leonard, however, said the team can't overlook them.
"It's a conscious effort for our team to make sure we show up for that match [Chicago State] both from a mental and physical standpoint," he said. "Preparing all the right stuff, eating well after our match with Northern Illinois and coming out against Chicago State hungry."
Leonard said the key to defeating Northern Illinois and Chicago State will come down to the team's determination.
"Anytime you face an opponent on the road, you're going to come across some adversity," he said. "How resilient we are when we face adversity will be a main indicator of our success."
Ball State's matchup with Northern Illinois begins today at 10 a.m. in DeKalb, Ill. and its matchup with Chicago State begins on Sunday at 9 a.m. in Chicago, Ill.
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