MSU men’s tennis defeats Ball State 4-3 in tight match

The Michigan State men’s tennis team picked up its third win of the season with a gritty win over Ball State. The Spartans won the game over the Cardinals 4-3 back and forth and improved to 4-3 overall. year.

MSU came out firing during singles play as a fifth-ranked senior Anthony Pero and junior Reed Crocker set the tone early against the Ball States duo Danilo Kovacevic and junior Parrish Simmons. A significant turnout from Spartan fans helped the more experienced get off to a strong start pair.

Kovacevic and Simmons pressed in a few close games, though Pero and Reed were able to respond more loudly and pull away fairly quickly, giving the Spartans an important 6-2 win. start.

MSU was able to continue its doubles status with a performance by sophomores Max Sheldon and Josh Portnoy. The young duo showed their potential and intensity in a 6-1 win over Ball States sophomores. Nathaniel Webster and freshman Jack Lancaster.

Sheldon was particularly pleased with his performance after beating himself up during a few tough starts in the past Matches.

I’ve started slow in some matches so getting off to a really good start was definitely something I’ve been working on, Sheldon said.

The third doubles match was missed as an MSU junior Luke Bayliss and Graydon Lair led 4-3 BSU seniors That is, the Lord and Vince Orlando before being called. The Spartans would go into singles play with a one-point lead Cardinals.

The first singles set was a similar story to most of the other matches as Pero went head-to-head with Webster. Webster started strongly in the first set, taking it 6-4, while Pero responded with an electric 6-0 response in the second set. In the end, Webster prevailed in a very emotional third period, winning 7-6 and pulling the Cardinals back. even.

Baylis and Sheldon were responsible for two of the most competitive singles matches of the day, although both won in straight sets. Baylis gave an inspiring performance for the Spartans, coming from behind in both sets to win 7-5, 7-6. Sheldon put on a show of his own, defeating Orlando, one of the Cardinals’ most experienced players, 6-2 and 6 to 4.

Portnoy continued his fantastic day with a win over the junior Sajin Smith after 6-3 in the first set. Portnoy responded dramatically without hesitation in the second set to win 6-0, which eventually led to Smith winning 6-2 in the third set. place.

MSU seemed to be in control from all angles, but the Cardinals weren’t ready to give up just yet. Eli Harren won 6-4 and 6-3 in the second and third sets after trailing Lair 6-2 in the first. Lancaster also reeled off two straight sets 6-4 twice to get back at Crocker after he jumped out hot in the first set. 6-1.

A strong performance in doubles helped lift the Spartans over the Cardinals in a tie throughout singles play. Coach Harry Jadun MSU had positive things to say about his team’s performance day.

“I thought singles was great, to be honest,” Jadun said. We were honestly down two of our best players and a few other guys stepped up today, which was spectacular.

Jadun also highlighted how impressive the Portnoys’ day was very.

He’s a guy who’s been on the edge of the lineup and he lost the first set and I honestly wasn’t too happy with his first set,” Jadun said. For him to really lock in and get angry and frustrated and then apply that and that intensity was a really big moment him.

The central story of the day was the return of former MSU men’s tennis coach Gene Orlando. Orlando had announced his retirement from coaching last spring before joining the Cardinals staff as a volunteer coach to reunite with his son. Vince.

A fairly healthy moment for Ball State was fueled Spartans.

Playing against Coach Os’ son, there’s extra motivation, I can’t let him beat me,” Sheldon said.

Luke Baylis also pointed out how important it was for the Spartans to stay calm during this reunion.

It’s never easy to play against Ball State, I mean they’re a tough team, I mean our old head coach is coaching them right now with his son, so it makes it a little bit more personal,” Baylis said. We love the guy, but for the most part we stayed calm and I think , that this is a good confidence boost for Louisville next week.

Jadun noted how pleased he was with his team for staying focused, while stressing how important practice will be in preparation for ranked Louisville. road.

Last time we played a top 25 team on the road, we lost 4-3 and made it to the last game, Jadun said. We know we have a level, but there’s something to be said for getting the job done on the road, in a hostile environment. to the environment.

The Spartans travel to Louisville, Kentucky to face the Cardinals next Sunday, February 12th at midday.