Ball State returned home looking for its first win after a six-game losing streak. They swept both Aquinas and Oakland 7-0 putting the team at 9-7 for the season.
“[It’s been] a rough past couple of weeks, the girls learned a lot,” coach Christine Bader said. “The Florida Gulf match was a heart breaker because we were just points away."
Bader was rallying with the girls during warm up, and the atmosphere was electric, with music blasting during warm-ups.
Going into the match, Ball State knew Aquinas would be tired because they had played the night before.
Freshman Ayaka Terashi, who had been experiencing pain in her left wrist as a result of another nagging injury on her right arm, did not play. She hopes to return next week for Friday’s match against Miami.
Ball State won straight sets in doubles and singles throughout both matches.
During the singles games freshman Bethany Moore was moved back to court five in order to work on her focus. Court five is known as the dungeon because of it’s poor lighting, and seclusion, according to Bader.
The quick-paced games ended before 2 p.m. and Ball State would be back in action just hours later to play a much better team.
“[It’s] good for us works on endurance and conditioning,” said Bader in reaction to the double header.
The team was sporting all black razorback tanks and skirts. Oakland also wore black shirts and shorts so it was difficult at first glance for spectators to differentiate between the two teams.
The crowd more than doubled the second time around with the same dedicated parents in attendance. After each dramatic point by the doubles the audience erupted in a fanfare of applause.
Lauren Pickrel and Paola Rodriguez were the only pair to sweep their opponents but all doubles teams won.
Each singles position won its point. Pickrel and Terashi did not play.
The team plays in Oxford, Ohio against the Miami Friday at 1 p.m. before returning to Muncie to face Akron.
