Ball State University Athletics
Photo by: Bobby Ellis (Ball State Creative Services)
Men’s Tennis Hosts Cleveland State Saturday Before Traveling to In-state Rival Butler on Sunday
February 06, 2026 | Men's Tennis
MUNCIE, Ind. - The Ball State University men's tennis team is set to host Cleveland State on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 12:00 PM in Muncie, Indiana before traveling to Butler on Sunday for a 1 pm ET first serve.
The Cardinals enter this matchup with a 3-2 overall record and are looking to rebound from a recent 6-1 loss at Dayton just a week ago. Ball State has shown strength at home earlier this season, securing victories over Xavier (5-2), Bellarmine (4-3), and IU East (7-0). First-year head coach Gene Orlando will likely rely on top-flight singles players Jacks Lancaster and freshman Andrei Caragea, who have anchored the first two positions in recent matches.
"This weekend will be our toughest challenge of our young season," said Orlando. "Playing two powerhouse teams in Cleveland State on Saturday at home and Butler on the road on Sunday will be a true test and a testament to our hard work. We are excited for the opportunities and the challenge ahead this weekend."
Cleveland State travels to Muncie with momentum in their doubles play. The pairing of Lincoln Battle and Carl Gedlitschka was recently named the Horizon League Doubles Team of the Week after a dominant 6-0 performance against St. Bonaventure. In their most recent encounter versus Ball State in 2025, Cleveland State narrowly defeated BSU 4-3, clinching the match at the No. 1 singles spot.
Ball State leads the all-time series 7-6 against Cleveland State, though the matchup has become highly competitive in recent years.
On Sunday, the Cardinals travel to Indianapolis to take on the Bulldogs for a 1 pm ET first serve. Butler currently owns a 1-4 record with a defeat over fellow Mid-American Conference member Toledo by a 4-3 decision at home on Feb. 1. Ball State owns a 12-3 record over Butler dating back to 2010 while winning the last five matches over the Bulldogs.
The Cardinals enter this matchup with a 3-2 overall record and are looking to rebound from a recent 6-1 loss at Dayton just a week ago. Ball State has shown strength at home earlier this season, securing victories over Xavier (5-2), Bellarmine (4-3), and IU East (7-0). First-year head coach Gene Orlando will likely rely on top-flight singles players Jacks Lancaster and freshman Andrei Caragea, who have anchored the first two positions in recent matches.
"This weekend will be our toughest challenge of our young season," said Orlando. "Playing two powerhouse teams in Cleveland State on Saturday at home and Butler on the road on Sunday will be a true test and a testament to our hard work. We are excited for the opportunities and the challenge ahead this weekend."
Cleveland State travels to Muncie with momentum in their doubles play. The pairing of Lincoln Battle and Carl Gedlitschka was recently named the Horizon League Doubles Team of the Week after a dominant 6-0 performance against St. Bonaventure. In their most recent encounter versus Ball State in 2025, Cleveland State narrowly defeated BSU 4-3, clinching the match at the No. 1 singles spot.
Ball State leads the all-time series 7-6 against Cleveland State, though the matchup has become highly competitive in recent years.
On Sunday, the Cardinals travel to Indianapolis to take on the Bulldogs for a 1 pm ET first serve. Butler currently owns a 1-4 record with a defeat over fellow Mid-American Conference member Toledo by a 4-3 decision at home on Feb. 1. Ball State owns a 12-3 record over Butler dating back to 2010 while winning the last five matches over the Bulldogs.
Players Mentioned
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