The script was familiar, but NIU men’s tennis could not change the ending as Ball State eliminated the Huskies in a rematch of last year’s MAC semifinal.

One year earlier, the Huskies defeated the Cardinals for the first time in 30 years with a 4-3 victory to advance to the MAC championship where they lost to Western Michigan.

But with four new starters in their lineup, the No. 4 seed Huskies (13-10) dropped a 4-1 decision to No. 1 seed Ball State (20-8) on Friday. The Cardinals went on to defeat No. 2 seed Western Michigan 4-3 in the MAC final to earn a berth in the NCAA Championships.

“We had a slow start in doubles,” NIU senior Willy Gali said. “It was cold out there so we started slow and we didn’t have the momentum. But we had our chances.”

Ball State grabbed the opening doubles point with 8-3 and 8-0 wins at No. 1 and 3 doubles.

The Huskies kept it interesting in singles as Gali won his 20th straight match with a 6-3, 6-4 decision over Matt Baccarani at No. 1 singles. The victory was Gali’s 31st of the season and his second against Baccarani, Gali’s main challenger for MAC Player of the Year.

But the Cardinals did not allow the Huskies to rally and clinched the match with straight set wins at No. 3, 4 and 6 singles.

“Experience worked to their advantage,” NIU coach Pontus Hiort said. “They just played better on the crucial points. We’re not happy with losing of course. We played well, but not well enough to win.”

For Gali and fellow senior Erick Martinez, the match was their last representing NIU. As a four-year starter for the Huskies, Martinez said he felt good about the end of his collegiate career.

“I have to say I have no regrets,” the native of Mexico City said. “I’m happy I came to NIU and I’m happy to be a part of a great group of guys.”

Even with the departure of his most experienced players, Hiort is optimistic for the future.

“We had a relatively successful year,” Hiort said. “When you start four freshmen, you’re going to have your ups and downs. But we had great senior leadership and we got better as the season went on, so that’s encouraging for next year.”