MUNCIE, Ind. – Looking for back-to-back wins over Mid-American Conference programs, the IUPUI men's tennis team couldn't have asked for a better start against in-state foe Ball State, but the Cardinals were able to rally in singles play to earn a 5-2 win on their home court.
 
The loss dropped the Jags to 4-11, while Ball State improved to 7-7.
 
While doubles play has been hit or miss for the Jags through the first half of the season, it was in top form on Friday. The No. 1 team of Patrick O'Neill and Alex Toliver cruised to a 6-2 win, and David Beasley and Jose Calero teamed up for a 6-1 win at No. 3 doubles to put the Jags in front, 1-0.
 
Unfortunately, there were four matches decided in straight sets, but only one went IUPUI's way. The Cardinals won at the one, two and six positions, offsetting an Akshay Verma 6-1, 6-2 victory at the five slot.
 
The other two matches went to third sets, but Adam Reinhart and David Beasley came up just short with each dropping 6-3 decisions in the decisive set.
 
IUPUI returns to action on Saturday, March 14, when it begins Summit League play at home against Fort Wayne at the West Indy Racquet Club.