Hoosiers split two games against Big Ten rivals

The IU women's tennis team (9-12, 1-5) split its two matches this weekend by defeating Big Ten foe Michigan State (8-10, 0-6) Saturday and falling to Michigan (11-5, 4-2) Sunday. There was much excitement surrounding the return of senior Karie Schlukebir, who played her first match since February against the Spartans Saturday. \nSchlukebir won her singles match on Saturday at the fifth spot, defeating junior Josie Schmude, but lost Sunday against Michigan senior Jen Duprez. \nSchlukebir's impact was felt in doubles play, where she paired up with junior Linda Tran to win at the top doubles spot Saturday and Sunday. \n"It feels great to have her back," Tran said. "I finally feel comfortable on the court because I know where she's hitting and we understand each other. There's no weakness between the two of us."\nAgainst the Spartans, Tran defeated junior Caroline Lay at the top singles spot. Sophomore Dominika Walterova and freshman Sophie Rychlik also won in singles action. \nThe Hoosiers defeated the Spartans in the top two doubles spots as well with junior Martina Grimm and freshman Sarah Batty defeating Lay and freshman Keri Thompson 8-6. \nThe Hoosiers were impressive early Sunday, again claiming the top two doubles matches. But the Wolverines came out victorious with wins in five of the six singles spots. The lone singles win for the Hoosiers came from Batty, who at the second spot defeated Michigan junior Chrissie Nolan 6-1, 6-2. \n"I was very aggressive on the court and I went after my shots," Batty said. "I've had a lot of tough matches but I've stayed competitive and kept the matches close."\nCoach Lin Loring said he was impressed with his team's play over the weekend, especially against the favored Wolverines.\n"We knew we were underdogs against Michigan but we kept it close," Loring said. "We played well against a good team and we put ourselves in a position to win."\nThe bright spot in both matches this weekend was the success in doubles play as the Hoosiers took the top two spots in both matches. \n"The highlight of both days was winning the doubles matches," Loring said. "Sarah and Martina made great comebacks both days to win their matches." \nThe Hoosiers have their next match Saturday where they play at No. 24 Illinois.