The Cardinals fell 3-4 to the Rockets at the Rockets’ home turf, making both team’s overall records 7-7.
Head Coach Bill Richards said he expected a close match today heading in.
“They were better than we were today,” Richards said. “I think that, on a given day, we're certainly capable of beating them, but couldn't come through in the clutch.”
Ball State lost 2-0 in doubles play, giving the first point to Toledo.
At No. 1 doubles junior Nathaniel Webster and grad student Vince Orlando fell 3-6.
Grad student Eli Herran and junior Sajin Smith fell 3-6 at No. 3 doubles.
The Cardinals continued their fight against the Rockets in singles play.
At No. 1 singles, Webster fought hard but lost 2-6, 0-6.
Orlando, at No. 2 singles, fell to his opponent in straight sets; losing the first 3-6 and losing the second closely with a score of 5-7.
At No. 3 singles, Herran took the victory in three sets; winning the first 6-3, losing the second 4-6 and winning the third 6-3.
After being down 2-5 at the end of his doubles match, junior Mason Tran, at No. 4 singles, defeated his opponent in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-1.
“For me, it was really important that I had to come off really energetic and really motivated to win,” Tran said. “I love bringing the energy and trying to do my best just to stay up and positive.”
At No. 6 singles, Smith fought in his match but fell 3-6, 3-6.
Sophomore Jacks Lancaster, at No. 5 singles, fell 2-6 in the first set, fought back and won the second set in a tiebreak 7-6(5) and won the third 6-4.
Lancaster emphasized that his teammates’ support encouraged him to keep fighting in his match.
“My teammates, all around me. I just wanted to stay out there for them and try to get a point on the board,” Lancaster said. “I couldn't do without them on the sideline.”
Tran echoed Lancaster’s sentiments.
“My teammates on the sidelines, cheering me up, keeping me in the match and keeping me focused, really helped a lot,” Tran agreed.
Looking ahead, Ball State will compete in its next match against Buffalo in Buffalo, New York on Sunday, Mar. 17th at 11 a.m.
Coach Richards hopes to see his team bounce back on Sunday.
“We'll have to play our very best to have a chance to win,” Richards said. “They're an excellent team, very tough to beat at home indoors.”
Contact Lauren Graham via email lauren.graham@bsu.edu.
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