<p>When it came time for Conner Andersen to pick a college to continue his tennis career, older brother Lucas gave him a gentle push.</p>
<p>“We kind of feed off one another,” Lucas said. “It’s like old times to have him on the team. I didn’t want him to go anywhere else besides Ball State.”</p>
<p>The two brothers previously were teammates at Center Grove High School for two years.</p>
<p>“I was definitely nudging him toward Ball State,” Lucas said. “He knew all the guys on the team. It’s a special environment when most of the guys are from Indiana. Coach (Bill) Richards makes it an easy decision to play here, as well.”</p>[sc:text-divider text-divider-title="Story continues below gallery" ]
<p>Conner, who chose Ball State over Toledo, said he had a list of pros and cons when deciding, and having his brother on the team was definitely a pro.</p>
<p>Lucas, a junior, plays No. 1 singles for the Cardinals (12-11, 4-3 Mid-American Conference). Conner, a freshman, has played No. 2, 3, 4 and 5 singles with the most matches at No. 4 singles.</p>
<p>Entering this weekend’s MAC tournament at Northern Illinois, Lucas has a 14-7 record (18-12 overall) at No. 1 singles. As a sophomore, Lucas was 5-5 at No. 1 singles and 9-2 at No. 2.</p>
<p>“He’s done fantastic,” Richards said of Lucas becoming a full-time No. 1. “He understands his game so well. He knows his strengths and weaknesses. Along with his physical capabilities, mentally he’s so tough and so smart.”</p>
<p>That mental strength has been essential, Lucas said.</p>
<p>“I think I made the most improvement in confidence and just believing I can play at No. 1,” Lucas said. “When it comes down to the big moments, I have the confidence in my game and shots to compete with the (No.) 1 guys. I’ve always had the tools. It’s just consistently bringing my game every time I play.”</p>
<p>Conner owns a 13-20 overall record in singles.</p>
<p>“Conner has been solid all year,” Richards said. “It’s been tough being thrown into the fire playing both No. 3 and 4 singles. But he’s done a good job. I’m sure he hasn’t won as many matches as he would have liked. The level of competition is very, very tough.”</p>
<p>Richards said the Cardinals were forced to switch their doubles lineup a few weeks ago. Lucas and Andrew Stutz had a 22-10 record overall (9-6 at No. 1 doubles).</p>
<p>“We struggled so much (at other spots) we had to split them up,” Richards said.</p>
<p>Lucas and Patrick Downs are 3-2 at No. 2 doubles. Conner has a 5-1 mark with Stutz at No. 1 doubles.</p>
<p>“There are definitely things that can get better in his game and Conner knows that,” Richards said. “He’s a hard worker and he’s going to keep getting better. He’s got a great future.”</p>
<p>The brothers have always improved in large part practicing against one another.</p>
<p>“He’ll win a set every now and then,” Lucas said. “Playing him there is definitely a brotherly competitiveness where you don’t to lose to your brother. But he’s a teammate, too, and I’m helping him anyway that I can. I really enjoying having him here. It’s been fun.”</p>
<p>Conner said the competitive fire definitely flows when they compete.</p>
<p>“I know he hates to lose to me, so he tries extra hard when he plays me,” Conner said.</p>
<p>Richards said there is seldom any disagreements between the siblings.</p>
<p>“Conner respects Lucas so much,” Richards said. “They get along so well. There is no big brother/little brother bickering. They’re both such mature young men.”</p>
<p>Lucas has provided advice throughout his career, Conner said.</p>
<p>“It’s always been beneficial to me to see what’s worked and hasn’t worked, but mainly what has worked for him here and I’ve tried to emulate that myself,” Conner said.</p>
<p>From the start of the season, Conner said he has concentrated on two areas.</p>
<p>“The things I’ve worked on the most are developing a bigger serve and being mentally stronger to compete with these guys who are older and have been through the higher-pressure matches,” Conner said.</p>
<p>Conner said playing up in the lineup should help him for next season.</p>
<p>“Being in the mix of things your freshman year helps you be exposed to everything. Then you really know what to work on for the future,” he said.</p>[sc:pullout-title pullout-title="Andersen tennis pullout" ][sc:pullout-text-begin]<p>Lucas Anderson</p>
<p>Birth: Oct. 4, 1994, in Evansville.</p>
<p>Personal: Earned All-State first team honors in 2011 and 2012 at Center Grove. Named to All-Mid American Conference second team as a freshman and sophomore.</p>
<p>Major: Biology.</p>
<p>Favorite class: Microbiology.</p>
<p>Career plans: Nurse practitioner.</p>
<p>Favorite tennis player: Roger Federer.</p>
<p>Favorite restaurant: Qdoba</p>
<p>Conner Anderson</p>
<p>Birth: Jan. 31, 1997 in Greenwood.</p>
<p>Personal: Named All-State first team in 2012, 2013 and 2014.</p>
<p>Favorite class: Accounting.</p>
<p>Major: Economics and accounting.</p>
<p>Career plans: Wants to go to law school and become a corporate lawyer.</p>
<p>Favorite players: Roger Federer and Nick Kygios.</p>
<p>Favorite TV show: “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.”</p>[sc:pullout-text-end]
