The IU men’s tennis team had mixed results during the weekend.
The Hoosiers beat Wisconsin and lost to Minnesota.
“It was a great weekend for us,” IU Coach Jeremy Wurtzman said. “We were able to get our first Big Ten win of the year, a road win. Unfortunately, (Minnesota) didn’t end up going our way.”
IU starts off with Wisconsin
Throughout the season, the strengths of both teams hinged on winning the doubles point. However, IU was the team that started out strong by winning it. This snapped Wisconsin’s previous streak of winning five consecutive doubles points.
“That was big for us,” Wurtzman said. “We were able to get off to a good start and that’s what we talked about a lot this week, trying to have a good start to both doubles and singles.”
While the Hoosiers’ weakness had been in singles, they performed well by staying focused. This mentality proved invaluable on the road.
“We competed very well in both doubles and singles and Wisconsin had a lot of talented players and were really tough throughout their lineup,” Wurtzman said. “We did a good job of staying mentally tough and really competing well.”
IU defeated Wisconsin 5-2 in Madison, Wis. on Friday. Wisconsin (5-12) lost but rebounded later in the afternoon against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville winning 4-1. Just like the Badgers, the weekend was not over for the Hoosiers.
Minnesota defeated IU 4-0 Sunday.
On Sunday, the Hoosiers looked to continue their momentum at No. 31 Minnesota. This challenge would prove more difficult than Wisconsin.
“They played really well today,” Wurtzman said. “They were just firing at all cylinders. Top to bottom they were really playing well and playing great tennis.”
However, the Hoosiers would lose the doubles point, putting themselves in an early hole on the road. Minnesota would continue to dominate through singles.
In singles, Minnesota’s No. 25 Leandro Toledo defeated junior Sam Monette 6-2, 6-1. No. 104 Matic Spec defeated IU freshman Raheel Manji 6-4, 6-3. Mathieu Froment defeated IU junior Chris Essick 6-3, 6-0.
“I think they just hit the ball well, they competed well, they were really ready to go,” Wurtzman said. “They played just a really solid match throughout.”
“Their coach was pushing for us to stop it more,” Wurtzman said. “We had a flight to catch so I think it worked out better that we stopped. We would have been willing to keep playing but we decided before the match that we would stop at four.”
The Hoosiers fell to 1-3 in Big Ten play.
“I think every match is important for us,” Coach Wurtzman said. “We want to go out and give our best effort and go out and represent IU. So I wouldn’t say we overemphasize any match more than any other.”
Minnesota (14-5) improved its home record to 10-0 on the season.
“I don’t think we have anything to hold our heads about,” Wurtzman said. “I think we just have to get back to work on Friday.”
IU (13-7) will look to rebound against Nebraska at noon Friday at the IU Tennis Center.
