Despite losing 7-0 at No. 6 Illinois on Sunday, the Hoosiers climbed eight spots in the ITA rankings. They improved their ranking from No. 44 to No. 36 in the nation. After a tough afternoon against Illinois, the Hoosiers looked to rebound.
The No. 36 Hoosiers defeated Toledo 4-1 Wednesday afternoon in Louisville, Ky. IU got off to a strong start against Toledo on Wednesday afternoon as they closed out the tiebreak 12-10 to take the doubles point.
“Against Toledo, we came away with a really tight doubles point,” IU Coach Wurtzman said. “It went back and forth and we were able to win a key tiebreaker. I think winning the doubles gave us a lot of momentum.”
In singles competition, IU freshman Matthew McCoy defeated Omar Espinosa 6-4, 6-4; IU senior Sven Lalic defeated Roberto Meza 6-1, 6-3; and IU sophomore Stefan Lugonjic defeated Stephen Miller 6-3, 6-0.
Also, IU junior Chris Essick came up with big serves against Toledo to lead the Hoosiers to victory. While the Hoosiers won, they faced a difficult opponent in the second part of their ?doubleheader.
“They are a very competitive team,” Lalic said. “They have a great atmosphere at their home courts. Their lineup is very good and there is no weak spot.”
In its final match of the day, IU lost against Louisville 5-0. Louisville edged the Hoosiers to win the doubles point. The Hoosiers hoped to turn their fortune in the singles match but to no avail.
“I think we did a good job,” Coach Wurtzman said. “It just didn’t go our way.”
In singles competition, No. 5 Seb Stiefelmeyer defeated IU junior Sam Monette 7-6, 6-0, and No. 104 Albert Wagner defeated IU junior Daniel Bednarczyk 6-3, 6-3.
The Cardinals registered their eighth straight win, defending their court successfully by winning both matches of the day against Toledo and IU.
Louisville improves its home record to 9-1 on the year and will remain at home to host Green Bay and IU-Purdue University ?Indianapolis Saturday.
Up next, the Hoosiers will play St. Mary’s and Washington in Seattle on Saturday.
