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By Blake Grimsley, USTA.com

TUCSON, Ariz. - In addition to the foliage changing colors and the USTA holding its annual national championships in Tucson, the autumn season also means that college football is in full effect each and every Saturday.

And with this often brings much banter between friends over whose team or conference is number one. The Midwest women’s team features a doubles team that knows all about bantering and college rivalries. That is because doubles partners Tracy Bardallis and Roberta Risdon are die hard Michigan State and Michigan fans, respectively.

“I went to Michigan years ago and love to watch the Maze-and-Blue every Saturday afternoon, that is, when we aren’t losing to the Toledo Rockets,” Risdon laughs

Tracy isn’t bashful about telling Roberta just how happy a historic Michigan loss makes her.

“I said to Robby, darn I really feel bad for those ole’ Wolverines having such a hard time under their new head coach this season,” laughs Bardallis.

Bardallis attended Michigan State, as she puts, years ago and played on the tennis team during her time in East Lansing.

“Tennis is something I’ve just always enjoyed and stuck with through the years,” said Bardallis.

The ladies, if you can believe, actually work together at the Sports Club of Nova in Michigan.

“When I was hiring Tracy to work with me, I told him I wouldn’t hold it against her that she is a Spartan alumni,” joked Risdon.

The duo said they have loved their time spent in Tucson so far and are really enjoying the national championships.

“It’s fun to see all the teams from all over the country competing here for the right to be called a national champion the 4.5 level,” said Bardallis.

As for the football, they said they are going to catch their respective games once they play their match tomorrow.

“We’re going to come out and give our best shot tomorrow, then cheer on our teams afterwards, said Risdon.

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