A week before the Mid-American Conference tournament, the men’s tennis team will travel to New York to face Buffalo and Binghamton. Since the MAC Indoor singles tournament in the fall, head coach Bill Richards said all of the teams in the conference have improved since then.
“Dual matches are a lot different than individual matches,” Richards said. “In dual matches, it is more about who can handle the pressure and come through in the big moments of pivotal situations.”
The Cardinals (13-10, 2-3 MAC) face the Bulls (10-5, 5-0 MAC) today. Against the Bulls this weekend, the Cardinals have to look out for freshman Filip Grbic. Grbic is 9-2 in third flight singles matches.
Then, they face the Bearcats (6-15, 1-5 MAC). Richards said the matchup with the Bulls depends on each singles match.
"In the individual matchup, you are worried more about your opponents strengths and weaknesses and trying to figure it all out, and trying to balance your own strengths and weaknesses," Richards said.
MAC STANDINGS
1. Buffalo (5-0)
2. Western Michigan (5-1)
3. Ball State (2-3)
4. Northern Illinois (2-4)
5. Toledo (2-4)
6. Binghamton (1-5)
During single matches against MAC opponents, sophomore Nemanja Guzina's record is 4-1. Before coming into the singles lineup, Guzina said he has tried to tell himself that every point is crucial.
“I tell myself, ‘If I win, I would help my whole team win,’” Guzina said. “And it makes me feel good about myself.”
Guzina is on a three-match win streak in singles play going into this weekend’s matchup.
“I just try and keep my mindset high and wanting to win,” Guzina said.
The Cardinals are third in the MAC going into the final two regular season matches.
“A lot to be determined in the matches coming up as far as who gets in the tournament and who doesn’t and what the seedings are,” Richards said.
Today's match starts at 3 p.m. and Saturday’s is at 11 a.m.
The Daily News welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.