IU awaits Golden Gophers, Hawkeyes in home matches

When the No. 56 Hoosiers (10-8, 4-2) hit the courts this weekend, they'll be facing polar opposites, as they'll put their three-match winning streak on the line against Minnesota at noon Saturday and Iowa at noon Sunday.\nFirst up for IU will be the surging No. 33 Minnesota Golden Gophers (11-7, 6-1). Sitting one game under .500, Minnesota has gone on a five-match winning streak -- four of the wins from ranked foes. The Gophers currently reside at second in the conference and feature two singles players ranked in the top-60, in Aleksy Zharinov and Chris Wettengel at No. 53 and 56, respectively.\nAt the other end of the spectrum is the Iowa Hawkeyes (3-13, 0-7). Iowa has struggled most of the season as they are currently on a 10-game losing streak. The Hawkeyes had an opportunity to snap their losing streak last time out against Wisconsin Saturday but came up short in a 4-3 loss.\nIn beating three ranked opponents in a row, the team has no apprehension in going up against Minnesota, freshman David Bubenicek (7-6, 3-1) said.\n"It was very important (to win last weekend) because it gave us more confidence than before," Bubenicek said. "It makes us believe that we can beat Minnesota and not to have any fear for teams that are better than us."\nLast weekend, the Hoosiers were hamstrung by injuries, including No. 1 singles player, junior Jakub Praibis.\nThe team is evaluating Praibis along with other banged up members of the team as they head into the matches this weekend. IU does expect Praibis will be ready to go, come game time.\nEven with the team dealing with injuries, it is big that the Hoosiers come away with victories, junior Ryan McCarthy (12-12, 3-1) said.\n"Everyone is fighting hard despite being beat up," McCarthy said. "Even though we've been injured, I think this is the best tennis we've been playing as a team."\nTough losses early on in the season are now starting to pay dividends for the Hoosiers, as they are now playing some of their best tennis of the year. Despite losing to Ohio State on the road 6-1, the team gained confidence from the match, which has led to the late season surge.\nIU will be looking to improve upon its standing in the Big Ten season in addition to its NCAA resume. The Hoosiers boast a portfolio containing wins over three top-60 opponents, and a win against No. 33 Minnesota would only add to their impressive list of victories.\nIn addition to being at home, IU will be outdoors against Minnesota and Iowa providing an advantage for the southern-most school in the Big Ten, IU associate coach Matt Pledger said.\n"I think being outdoors will be a bit of an advantage for us," Pledger said. "But we have to show up and be ready to play because Minnesota, whether you play them inside or outside, they don't give you anything. They are very talented, and we'll have to be at our best to beat them."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.