Conference games are the deciding factor when it comes to rankings for post-season play.
The UB men's tennis team will travel to face three Mid-American Conference opponents this weekend. UB will be volleying for victory against Indiana University- Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW), Northern Illinois and perennial MAC powerhouse Ball State.
Buffalo is coming off their spring break trip, during which they played three matches, netting one victory. According to head coach Russ Crispell, the competition was stiff, but helped to prepare his team for these upcoming conference games, which should prove to be just as tough.
"There is not an easy team in the MAC," said Crispell. "So we're going to really have our hands full."
Friday's competition at IPFW should prove to be the easiest; the floundering Mastodons have suffered two consecutive defeats against Michigan State and Butler.
A UB victory could give them their first win in the MAC this season; IPFW is the only team that Buffalo has ever beaten in the MAC, with the Bulls winning a match 7-0 last year in the Mastodon's inaugural season in the conference.
On Saturday, the Bulls will be heading to Northern Illinois to face a surging Huskies team. The Huskies are 12-3 overall, but Buffalo will be their first MAC opponent this season.
Northern Illinois, who has defeated Illinois State and Bradley University this year, will be a true test for the Bulls.
"As I've said before, I'm not interested in the W's," said Crispell. "But from an overall experience as college athletes, the guys are having the time of their lives."
Leading the Huskies' attack is Junior Willy Gali, from Barcelona, Spain, who will most likely matchup with UB's Randy Rocchio. The lineup for the rest of both teams can change, and as everyone knows that's just the "coach's secret."
Something Crispell has not been keeping secret is that the team has been camping out in tents each time they travel this year. Their three-stop trip won't be any different.
"Are we camping out this weekend?" said Crispell. "Of course."
According to Crispell the team will be camping out the first and third night but will be getting in too late to camp the second night.
The Bulls finish the road trip at Ball State, who has an overall record of 6-11 (1-0 MAC) but has faced some of the toughest competition in the nation including Notre Dame, Arizona and the currently ranked No. 1 Illinois team.
"In order for us to succeed, all the guys are going to need to step up," said Crispell.
This weekend's matches all start at 1 p.m. and have been moved indoors to the Village Glen Tennis Center in Williamsville because of inclement weather.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
