Hoosiers take loss as chance to learn

The IU men's tennis team (2-1) lost its first road match of the spring season to Louisville (3-0) 5-2 Thursday. The Hoosiers accomplished what they wanted to but didn't get the results they expected. They won the doubles point, yet failed to claim the singles points. Senior Rahman Smiley (9-5) claimed the only IU singles victory out of six opportunities. He defeated the Cardinals' Alex Sivertsen 6-2, 7-5.\n"Rahman came out and pulled off a good win against a tough singles player at No. 2," IU coach Ken Hydinger said. \nIU senior Milan Rakvica lost his singles match against Cody Conley 7-6, 6-2. Also, freshman Jakub Praibis lost in three sets 6-4, 3-6, 7-5. The other three singles matches were straight-set defeats for the Hoosiers.\n"We obviously have to work harder and become better physically, mentally and emotionally," Hydinger said. \nIn doubles action, Smiley and freshman Ryan Recht won 8-6. Also, freshman Reid Strand and Praibis were victorious 8-3.\n"We saw some good things from our No. 3 doubles team," Hydinger said, referring to Strand and Praibis.\n"We have got to become more aggressive," Hydinger said. "We know where we want to be, and we are not at that level yet." \nIU returns to action Jan. 29 when it plays host to Ball State at the Tennis Center at 3 p.m.