Michigan State University
Ball State
Spartans' Winning Streak Extends to Five
2/8/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
FORT WAYNE, Ind. - No. 60 Michigan State took care of business on its Indiana road trip Saturday, defeating both Ball State and Eastern Illinois, each by a score of 7-0.
"It was another great weekend for us," head coach Gene Orlando said. "We took another step forward as a team."
Like last weekend against Toledo and Detroit, the Spartans had a lot of tiebreakers. They also came through in the clutch, like many of their previous matches, winning all seven of the tiebreaker points.
"I know that we've trained harder and held ourselves to a higher standard," said John Patrick Mullane, who's missed the last seven matches with a shoulder injury. "That's what allows us to win."
Michigan State began the day in Muncie. They won every single match against the Cardinals of Ball State in the day's first match.
Gijs Linders had a great performance against a tough opponent; defeating No. 1 singles Luke Andersen, 7-6 (7-5), 3-6, 1-0 (10-8). Mac Roy also showed some resilience, coming back after losing the first set to win the point in No. 4 singles, 5-7, 6-3, 1-0 (10-7).
Brett Forman, Harry Jadun, Michael Dube and Jasper Koenen all took care of business in two sets in their singles matches.
The Spartans then traveled to Fort Wayne to take on the Eastern Illinois Panthers. No. 1 and No. 2 doubles remained the same, but Doug Zade took Jadun's spot with Koenen in the No. 3 doubles position.
"Team morale is really high," Zade said. "I didn't feel any pressure at all, I just went out there and played."
Zade stepped into the singles lineup as well when Mac Roy withdrew as a precaution. Dube and Koenen both shifted up one singles spot.
"We definitely played with a sense of urgency," Zade said. "We came out and played loose."
The Spartans won the doubles point to start the match, en route to another sweep. In singles play, every match was decided in straight sets.
"We're looking forward to our next couple of matches," Orlando said. "They're going to be tough."
With the two victories, the Spartans improve to 6-3 on the season.
Extra Notes
The doubles streak continues as Michigan State has won the last six doubles points.
The Spartans have won their last five dual matches without giving up a single point.
Doug Zade and Jasper Koenen are a perfect 4-0 on the year in doubles.
Michigan State 7, Ball State Cardinals 0
Feb. 7, 2015 at Muncie, Ind. (Northwest YMCA Indoor Tennis Facility)
Singles Competition
1. No. 76 Gijs Linders (MSU) def. Luke Andersen (BSU) 7-6 (7-5), 3-6, 1-0 (10-8)
2. Brett Forman (MSU) def. Patrick Elliott (BSU) 6-1, 6-4
3. Harry Jadun (MSU) def. Ray Leonard (BSU) 7-5, 6-3
4. Mac Roy (MSU) def. Jan Jirus (BSU) 5-7, 6-3, 1-0 (10-7)
5. Michael Dube (MSU) def. Collin Rigney (BSU) 6-1, 7-5
6. Jasper Koenen (MSU) def. Matt Helm (BSU) 7-6 (9), 6-1
Doubles Competition
1. Brett Forman/Gijs Linders (MSU) vs. Patrick Elliott/Andrew Stutz (BSU) 7-6 (7-2)
2. Michael Dube/Mac Roy (MSU) def. Ray Leonard/Collin Rigney (BSU) 7-6 (7-4)
3. Harry Jadun/Jasper Koenen (MSU) def. Luke Andersen/Matt Helm (BSU) 6-1
Michigan State 7, Eastern Illinois Panthers 0
Feb. 7, 2015 at Fort Wayne, Ind. (Wildwood Racquet Club)
Singles Competition
1. No. 76 Gijs Linders (MSU) def. Robert Skolik (EIU) 7-6 (7-2), 6-0
2. Brett Forman (MSU) def. Ryan Henderson (EIU) 6-0, 6-2
3. Harry Jadun (MSU) def. Preston Touliatos (EIU) 7-5, 6-3
4. Michael Dube (MSU) def. Rui Silva (EIU) 6-1, 6-2
5. Jasper Koenen (MSU) def. Jared Woodson (EIU) 6-1, 6-0
6. Doug Zade (MSU) def. Grant Reiman (EIU) 6-1, 6-0
Doubles Competition
1. Robert Skolik/Preston Touliatos (EIU) def. Brett Forman/Gijs Linders (MSU) 6-3
2. Michael Dube/Mac Roy (MSU) def. Ryan Henderson/Rui Silva (EIU) 6-2
3. Doug Zade/Jasper Koenen (MSU) def. Grant Rieman/Trent Reiman (EIU) 6-0
Players Mentioned
