Ball State University
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Western Michigan University
Women’s Tennis Crowned MAC Regular Season Champions
April 25, 2021 | Women's Tennis
MUNCIE, Ind. - - The women's tennis team etched its name into the Ball State record books once again Sunday afternoon at the Cardinal Creek Tennis Center, claiming the program's third Mid-American Conference regular season championship in the past five years.
To make the championship even more special, it locks up a berth into the NCAA Championship for only the second time in program history, both coming under eighth-year head coach Max Norris. In fact, Norris has guided the program to all three of its MAC regular season championships (2016, 2017 and 2021) and to the only MAC Tournament championship (2016).
In addition, Sunday's 6-1 victory over Western Michigan helped the Cardinals extended their winning streak to 21 matches and remain a perfect 12-0 in league play.
"First of all I'd like to thank everyone who helps our program: Paula, Neal, Levi, Coach Deluca, Taylor, Ben Hatfield, Megan Davis, Dr. Lee, Director Goetz, Haven, Hannah, Phil, Gonzo, Michelle, Ryne, Bart and Josh Big Cat Pawlus," Norris said. "We couldn't do what we do without them. I'd also like to thank the past players for all their work through the years and support to the present day. We hope we made them proud. Further, I'd like to thank Coach Richards for his guidance and friendship. He is amazing to work with and helps our team so much in so many ways. I would also like to thank our assistant coach Annabella Bonadonna who joined us mid season and has done an amazing job. Her enthusiasm and work ethic is unmatched. Finally, I'd like to thank our team. They've been absolutely fantastic all season with their focus, competitive spirit and work ethic. I couldn't be more thankful to coach them and I'm so happy they could experience this. We earned it the hard way. We are excited to build on this! Go Cards!!!!"
Ball State opened Sunday's competition by winning the doubles point after Victoria Sec and Livia Lukacs defeated WMU's Kaitlyn Rogosch and Lindsey Ziegler by a score of 6-1 at the No. 2 spot. Mariya Polishchuk then paired up with Jessica Braun on court three for a 6-2 win over the Broncos No. 3 doubles tandem of Taylor Smith and Elizabeth Trupp to clinch the point for BSU.
The Cardinals opened singles action in dominating fashion, taking first sets on five of the six courts from Western Michigan. Polishchuk made a quick exit on court three after only giving up two games to WMU's Ana Guadiana, winning the match, 6-0, 6-2. Silvia Martinez followed Polishchuk's lead with a 6-0, 6-2 defeat over WMU's Paula Wohlers at position six.
The match-winner, and championship clincher, came down to the top court where Emma Peeler had breezed through her first frame over Zieglar 6-0. Things started to look bleak for Peeler falling to Zieglar in the second set, 1-4, but she came back in dominating fashion winning five straight points to take the match from the Broncos.
The Ball State women's tennis team will wrap up its 2021 season next weekend when it hosts Northern Illinois on Friday at 1 p.m. ET before traveling to Toledo on Sunday for another 1 p.m. ET first serve.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State women's tennis team, please follow @BallStateSports and @BallStateWTNS.
Team Stats
#1 Doubles Match
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#2 Doubles Match
#3 Doubles Match
Order of Finish:
2,3
#1 Singles Match
#2 Singles Match
#3 Singles Match
#4 Singles Match
#5 Singles Match
#6 Singles Match
Order of Finish:
3,6,1,5,4,2
Players Mentioned
