Ball State Women’s Tennis: Building Momentum Towards Conference Play
The Ball State women’s tennis team faced a tough test on Saturday, March 7th, falling 4-2 to Bellarmine in their final non-conference match of the season. While the loss at the Eddie Weber Tennis Complex stings, the team, currently 7-4, has demonstrated significant progress this spring, setting a positive tone as they prepare to enter Mid-American Conference (MAC) competition.
A Tale of Two Matches: From Dominance to a Close Contest
The Cardinals entered the Bellarmine match fresh off a commanding 6-1 victory over Western Kentucky. However, they found themselves in a much tighter contest against the Knights. Head Coach Sachin Kirtane acknowledged the challenge, stating, “It was a great match today. We fought hard. We kind of turned the match around after the doubles and gave ourselves a chance.”
Doubles Bright Spot and Singles Struggles
Asia Ting Fontana and Sydney Hrehor provided a key win in doubles, continuing a strong partnership that secured a 6-4 victory against Western Kentucky earlier in the week. They defeated Lillie Willis and Gracie Hurley 6-1 on court No. 2. Despite this success, Ball State dropped the doubles point overall.
In singles play, Priyanka Rana and Isabel Tanjuatco managed to secure victories at the No. 2 and No. 3 positions, respectively. However, Bellarmine proved too strong, winning three singles matches to clinch the overall victory.
Key Wins Highlight Spring Growth
Despite the recent setback, Ball State has enjoyed a successful spring season, securing wins against Cincinnati, Dayton, and Cornell. These victories demonstrate the team’s ability to compete against a diverse range of opponents and build confidence heading into conference play.
Looking Ahead: MAC Competition Begins
The Cardinals will now turn their attention to the MAC season, opening league action on the road against Buffalo on Friday, March 13th, at 12:00 p.m. ET. Coach Kirtane expressed optimism, saying, “I am proud of the girls for their effort, and we are looking forward to starting the Mid-American Conference season.”
Pro Tip
Strong doubles play can often set the tone for a successful match. Focusing on communication and consistent execution in doubles is crucial for gaining an early advantage.
FAQ
Q: What is Ball State’s current record?
A: 7-4
Q: Who is the head coach of the Ball State women’s tennis team?
A: Sachin Kirtane
Q: When does Ball State start MAC competition?
A: Friday, March 13th, against Buffalo.
Q: Which Ball State players won in singles against Bellarmine?
A: Priyanka Rana and Isabel Tanjuatco.
Stay Connected
Want to follow the Ball State women’s tennis team throughout the MAC season? Visit Ball State Sports for schedules, results, and more!
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