IU loses for only second time

The IU men's tennis team fell to the No. 9 Kentucky Wildcats 5-2, giving the team (10-2) only its second loss of the season Saturday. The Hoosiers' loss was due in part to the fact that the team was forced to play without its No. 1 singles player, sophomore Jakub Praibis, who sat out with a thumb injury. \nDespite the loss, coach Matt Pledger said in a statement he was still very pleased with the team's performance.\n"We came in thinking we had nothing to lose with Jakub out," Pledger said. "I am proud of the way our guys played. You just really have to tip your hat to Kentucky." \nNot only were the Hoosiers down their best singles player, but they also had to play through constant wind gusts, something that coach Pledger said he felt played a key role in the match. \n"It was tough playing outside for the first time this season and having to deal with the windy conditions," he said in a press release. "It was difficult on both teams, the wind was gusting at 30 to 40 miles per hour."\nOne of the bright spots on a difficult day was the play of sophomore Ryan Recht, who beat the Wildcats' Matt Emery in dominating fashion 6-0, 6-1. Pledger was very happy with his No. 5 singles player performance.\n"Ryan came back after playing tight last weekend," Pledger said in a statement. "He played a fabulous match considering the conditions."\nThe Hoosiers won their second match when sophomore Tommy Bagnato defeated the Wildcats' Rahim Esmail. Esmail came into the match as the No. 104 ranked player in the nation but after losing in the first set and down in the second, Esmail decided to retire with an injury. The win is Bagnato's second straight and coach Pledger said he was pleased with Bagnato's play.\nThe Hoosiers will return to the courts March 19 at 1:30 p.m. when they travel to Alabama to face the No. 19 Auburn Tigers.