A slow start in singles failed to derail the men’s tennis team Friday night against visiting Ball State.

After capturing the doubles point, the Illini experienced mixed results early in the singles competition on their way to a 7-0 win.

While senior Brandon Davis and junior Marc Spicijaric quickly dispatched their opponents in straight sets, Ruben Gonzales found himself in a back and forth battle with the Cardinals’ Jose Perdomo before pulling off a dramatic win, 7-6 (10-8), 6-3.

Ryan Rowe and Billy Heiser both dropped their first sets on the No. 2 and No. 3 courts, respectively. Their victories rounded out the shutout, as the Illini now set their sights on next weekend’s important match up against No. 1 Virginia.