Friday was the last home non-conference match of the 2023 season for Ball State women’s tennis team, who continued its winning ways. The Cardinals defeated the Butler Bulldogs (2-9) in a 6-1 win. 

It was Ball State’s (9-2) first match since it was announced that head coach Max Norris was placed on administrative leave.Paula Haughn, Assistant Director of Ball State Athletic Communications, said that due to the internal review going on within the program, no coach or player interview requests would be granted.

The Cardinals wasted no time getting things going, as they dominated doubles. The fourth-year tandem of Jessica Braun and Emily Desai showed their veteran presence in a 6-0 win, while fourth-year Amy Kaplan and first-year Annika Planisek teamed up to cruise to a 6-1 win on the third court, claiming the doubles point for Ball State. It was Planisek’s first appearance in a match since Feb. 11, which took place against Youngstown State (2-6). 

Kaplan took the momentum into her singles match, where she started strong and didn’t look back. She won 6-2 6-0 on the fourth singles court. On the sixth court, Desai got the job done with a 6-2, 6-3 win. 

After fourth-year Emma Peeler dropped her match 3-6, 1-6, the Bulldogs drew closer, and it was on the Cardinals to close it out. Up 3-1, they closed the door. Second-year Elena Malykh had to earn her 6-3, 6-4 win, but it was enough to get Ball State to the goal of getting four points. It took Polishchuk three sets to win her match, but the Junior grinded out a 6-2, 2-6, 6-2 win. 

There are just two non-conference matchups left for the Cardinals. Ball State will catch a flight out to California, where they’ll face off against Azusa Pacific Monday, then the UC San Diego Tritons Tuesday, as they look to continue their win-streak heading into conference play. 

Contact Caleb Zuver with comments at cmzuver@bsu.edu or on Twitter @zuves35.

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