University of the Incarnate Word

The match was close on Friday afternoon and down the lineup Incarnate Word came up with a critical point to defeat Collin County CC 5-4 at the Mabry Center on campus.

The fifth and deciding point for the Cardinals came from freshman David Ballinger who came back with a rush after dropping the first set while playing at number four in singles. After he lost 7-6 to open his match, Ballinger roared back to win 6-3, 6-3 and give the Cardinals the victory.

Earlier in the day, at number two doubles, UIW got what would prove to be another large sized point. Junior Jose Arizpe and partner Carlos Olvera trailed almost the entire match before winning the point at 9-8. That put Incarnate Word up 2-1 after the doubles.

Arizpe won at number two singles and Olvera triumphed at number five for the Cardinals other two points.

The Cardinals are now 10-4 on the year and prepare for a most interesting match on Saturday against St. Edward’s. First serve is at 10 a.m. While this is not a Heartland Conference match it will be a day when the two size each other up prior to the league’s championship tournament in late April. These two will be the odds-on favorites to win the title.