Home match can't stop losing streak

The IU women's tennis team dropped its fourth straight match Thursday to Notre Dame 6-1 at the outdoor Varsity Tennis Courts. \nDespite the loss, coach Lin Loring said he was pleased with the way his team played. \n"We probably had five matches on paper that we had a shot at winning and being competitive in," Loring said. "And, I thought we were competitive in all five, so from that standpoint, I was pleased with the way we played."\nLoring said the highlight of the day was when freshman Sarah Batty defeated Irish senior Katie Cunha in the No. 2 singles match 6-3, 6-3. Batty said playing outside was a factor in the match.\n"I played really smart, but it was hard with the wind," Batty said. "I hope to continue working with the way the wind is, and work on my shot selection."\nThe only other victory of the day came from junior Linda Tran and sophomore Dominika Walterova defeated Notre Dame's sophomore Sarah Jane Connelly and freshman Kristina Stastny in the No. 2 doubles match 9-7. This win ties Tran at No. 7 with former players Rachel Epstein and Megan McCarney with 86 career double victories. But, Tran said she is trying to focus more on her play, rather than the record.\nShe lost the No. 1 singles match 6-1, 6-0 to Irish junior Caylan Leslie. \n"I have still been having some shot selection problems," Tran said. "I just have to put more balls in the court." \nThis weekend, the Hoosiers will remain at home to face Michigan State (8-9, 0-5 Big Ten) and Michigan (10-5, 3-2).\nLoring said the Hoosiers should be able to defeat the Spartans, but he said the team will have to play almost perfectly to get a victory against the Wolverines. \nThe Hoosiers will play host to Michigan State first on Saturday and then match up against Michigan on Sunday. Both events will take place at 10 a.m. at the outdoor Varsity Tennis Courts.