After a weekend of Mid-American Conference play, the Ball State men’s tennis team faces a non-conference foe against Butler today. 

Head coach Bill Richards said he has respect for Butler (11-3, 1-0 Big East).

“They [Butler] are always a rival match for us, because how close we are to each other,” Richards said.

Richards said both teams have Hoosiers on their roster.

One of those Hoosiers on the Cardinals roster is senior Andrew Stutz. Stutz, whose parents live about 10 minutes away from Butler, said he hopes to see friends and family.

“A lot of my friends go to Butler,” said Stutz. “My family can also come see the match.”

The Cardinals (9-7, 1-1 MAC) come into the match after beating Toledo last week. Senior Patrick Downs comes into Butler having won his past 11 singles matches. 

Richards said Downs is a good competitor.

“He has found a nice rhythm and hopefully he keeps it rolling,” Richards said.

Junior Jan Jirus, who has won his past four singles matches, said positivity and self-esteem has kept the streak going.

"I just go into each of the matches with knowing I don’t want to lose,” Jirus said. “I think that should be the attitude for everyone else.”

One of the top players for Butler is sophomore Adrian Mag. In singles dual matches, Mag is 12-9. Richards said every match will carry some importance against Butler.

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