Losing streak reaches six after two Big Ten losses

The IU women’s tennis team lost two more conference road matches this weekend, falling 4-3 to both Iowa and Illinois.

The Hoosiers (10-8, 0-5 Big Ten) are at the end of their five-game road stretch to open conference play.

“I’ve said all season that the home courts in tennis are worth one point a match,” IU coach Lin Loring said. “I honestly feel if we had played these at home we would be 4-1 right now. There is no doubt in my mind.”

Against Iowa on Saturday, IU won the doubles point but lost the first four singles matches. IU seniors Katya Zapadalova and Myriam Sopel won three-setters to account for the final score.

Against the Illini on Sunday, IU lost two of three doubles matches, giving the first point to Illinois. The Hoosiers then won three of six singles matches, including junior Evgeniya Vertesheva’s 6-2, 6-2 victory against No. 96 Rachael White.

The Hoosiers will play host to Wisconsin at 11 a.m. Saturday and Minnesota at 11 a.m. Sunday.

“It will be good to finally play at home,” Loring said. “We have been on the road for four consecutive weekends, and quite honestly the tank is pretty empty. Win or lose, it will be good to be back home sleeping in our own beds and playing tennis on our own courts.”