MUNCIE, Ind. — The Ball State men’s tennis team suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 loss to Cleveland State on afternoon at the First Serve Muncie indoor facility. The match, a tightly contested affair mirroring last season’s encounter between the two programs, ultimately hinged on the final singles court.
Despite a valiant effort from the Cardinals, Cleveland State secured the victory, improving their record to 5-3. Ball State, now 3-3 on the season, will look to rebound quickly as they prepare for an in-state rivalry match against Butler.
“The Cards fought valiantly in singles but fell short,” said Ball State head coach Gene Orlando. “We have to improve our doubles so we can go up 1-0 instead of down 0-1. So tough to win four out of six singles against a good team.” Orlando’s assessment highlights a critical area for improvement for the Cardinals – their performance in doubles play.
The Vikings gained an early advantage by winning the doubles point. Cleveland State’s top doubles pairing of Lincoln Battle and Carl Gedlitschka, recently recognized as the Horizon League Doubles Team of the Week, continued their impressive form with a victory on the primary court. While Ball State demonstrated competitiveness in the remaining doubles matches, Cleveland State’s consistency at the No. 1 and No. 2 positions proved decisive, giving them a 1-0 lead heading into singles competition.
The Cardinals responded strongly in singles play, winning three matches and briefly leveling the score. Andrei Caragea and Drew Hayward showcased their consistency, securing straight-set victories at the No. 2 and No. 3 positions, respectively. These wins provided a crucial momentum shift for Ball State, demonstrating their ability to compete with a strong opponent.
Freshman Zack Kimelman added another point for the Cardinals with a thrilling three-set victory at the No. 4 position, overcoming Maxime Aremon 6-4, 6-4 in the final two sets. Kimelman’s performance underscored the growing depth and potential within the Ball State roster.
However, Cleveland State ultimately clinched the match victory with a hard-fought win on the top court. Jacks Lancaster of Ball State fell in a grueling battle against Cleveland State’s No. 1 player, losing 6-4, 3-6, 4-6. This result proved to be the deciding factor, as the Vikings edged out the Cardinals in a closely contested match.
The loss is particularly frustrating for Ball State given the competitive nature of the match and their strong performance in singles play. The team’s ability to secure three singles victories demonstrates their individual talent and resilience, but the early deficit created by the doubles point proved too difficult to overcome.
Looking ahead, the Cardinals will travel to Indianapolis to face Butler on . First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. This in-state rivalry match presents an opportunity for Ball State to quickly bounce back from the defeat and address the issues highlighted by Coach Orlando, particularly in doubles play. A victory against Butler would be a significant boost for the Cardinals as they navigate the remainder of their season.
The match against Butler will be a key test for Ball State, providing a chance to refine their strategy and build momentum. The Cardinals will need to focus on improving their doubles performance to gain an early advantage in future matches and avoid falling behind against tough opponents. The team’s ability to translate their singles success into overall match victories will be crucial as they continue their season.
Beyond the immediate matchup with Butler, the Cardinals’ performance against Cleveland State serves as a valuable learning experience. The close nature of the loss underscores the importance of every point and the need for consistent performance across all phases of the game. As the season progresses, Ball State will look to build on their strengths and address their weaknesses to become a more competitive force in the Mid-American Conference.
