Hoosiers try to earn wins against Big Ten foes

For the past two weeks, the IU men's tennis team has had a buzzword: streak.\nLast week, the team concerned itself with ending its nine-year losing streak to Purdue. \nThis week, the squad looks to maintain its four-match win streak as it takes a road trip to Northwestern and Wisconsin this Saturday and Sunday.\nThe charging Hoosiers regained .500 status last week with a home win over Purdue. Senior Jakub Praibis is looking for the team to capitalize on the momentum generated over the last four matches.\n"We have to keep the momentum going," he said. "We are going in to matches that will force us to play up to our potential. We can do it."\nIn addition to a recent win streak, IU also owns a five-match road losing streak. The Hoosiers, in fact, have failed to win a match on the road yet this spring.\n"We've been very good on our courts all year," Praibis said. "We need to translate that success to the away courts."\nThe Hoosiers, whose 8-8 record includes an 8-3 home tally, have ridden to four straight wins on the heels of some individual streaks. Praibis, at the No. 1 spot, has won his last six matches and played himself to a No. 39 national ranking, the highest of his career. \nIn addition, sophomore David Bubenicek has won his last nine outings, giving him a 16-4 overall mark. \nJunior John Stone has a seven-match win streak of his own, and he has teamed with senior Ryan Recht to win their duo's last six matches. \nCoach Ken Hydinger said that despite the recent success, part of the challenge lies in adapting to different playing situations.\n"On these road matches, you have to be ready for anything," he said. "You could start a match outdoors, and you have to be ready to move inside. You always have to be ready for other teams trying to take you out."\nThis week's slate features a No. 64-ranked Northwestern squad that has failed to win a match in the past month, and a Wisconsin team still looking for its first Big Ten win. Both matches are set to begin at noon.\nHydinger says that the team will have to be prepared if it wants to snap the recent streak it isn't proud to have earned.\n"Northwestern is a top team from last year and they haven't lost anyone," he said. "Wisconsin will bring its best against us. There are all the differences between home and away to deal with. It's a challenge; there's nothing else to say."\n-- Contact Staff Writer Eamonn Brennan at eabrenna@indiana.edu.