Ball State University Athletics
Lancaster Powers Ball State to Perfect Weekend with Back-to-Back Thriller Earns MAC Weekly Honors
March 17, 2026 | Men's Tennis
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Senior Jacks Lancaster delivered a masterclass in resilience this weekend, going 2-0 at the No. 1 singles position to lead the Ball State men's tennis team to two pivotal 4-3 victories. Lancaster's clutch performances on the top court moved the Cardinals to 3-1 in Mid-American Conference (MAC) play.
The weekend began with a high-stakes "gritty" battle against UIC that came down to the final court. After dropping a tight opening set to Artem Alekseychuk, Lancaster roared back to secure the deciding point for the Cardinals. His 6-7, 7-5, 6-4 comeback victory clinched the 4-3 team win and set the tone for the weekend.
Lancaster carried that momentum into another 4-3 thriller against Northern Illinois. Facing a 3-4 deficit in the deciding set against Iker Arrastia Gaztambide, Lancaster remained composed under pressure. He surged back to take the third set 6-4, providing a vital point that kept the Cardinals' hopes alive before the team eventually clinched the match on court six.
With these victories, Ball State continues its momentum during a crucial five-match homestand. The Cardinals will look to build on their winning streak as they remain in the hunt for the top of the MAC standings hosting Western Michigan on Friday at 1 pm. The match is scheduled to be played at the Foster Adams Family Tennis Complex and Bill Richards Tennis Courts.
The weekend began with a high-stakes "gritty" battle against UIC that came down to the final court. After dropping a tight opening set to Artem Alekseychuk, Lancaster roared back to secure the deciding point for the Cardinals. His 6-7, 7-5, 6-4 comeback victory clinched the 4-3 team win and set the tone for the weekend.
Lancaster carried that momentum into another 4-3 thriller against Northern Illinois. Facing a 3-4 deficit in the deciding set against Iker Arrastia Gaztambide, Lancaster remained composed under pressure. He surged back to take the third set 6-4, providing a vital point that kept the Cardinals' hopes alive before the team eventually clinched the match on court six.
With these victories, Ball State continues its momentum during a crucial five-match homestand. The Cardinals will look to build on their winning streak as they remain in the hunt for the top of the MAC standings hosting Western Michigan on Friday at 1 pm. The match is scheduled to be played at the Foster Adams Family Tennis Complex and Bill Richards Tennis Courts.
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Tennis
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