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(05/17/04 1:43am)
Though basketball season won't start for another six months, recruiting season is heating up as Bloomington played host this weekend to the Adidas May Classic, Friday through Sunday at the Bloomington Sportsplex, both Bloomington high schools and Assembly Hall.\nA total of 72 teams competed in the tournament in three age brackets, 17-under, 16-under and 15-under.\nLast year at the Classic, IU picked up a verbal commitment from incoming freshman Robert Vaden.\nThis year there weren't any verbal commitments for the Hoosiers this year.\nSince IU coach Mike Davis has taken over, the long, athletic player has been a hot commodity for the team as they brought in sophomore Pat Ewing Jr., incoming freshmen James Hardy, D.J. White and Robert Rothbart.\nHigh school senior-to be Julian Wright fits Davis' long, athletic mold. Wright is a 6-foot-8 small forward out of Flossmoor, Ill. During the summer he plays for the Illinois Warriors, who traveled to Bloomington this weekend for the event.\nWright used his athleticism, quickness and acrobatic dunks to lead his team in its opening game win over the Common Bond, 90-59.\nAmong the schools interested in Wright are Arizona, DePaul, Duke, Illinois, Kansas and IU. Wright's interest was confirmed in April when coach Davis paid him an in-home visit. The two talked about the Hoosier basketball tradition and how he might fit in at IU, Wright said.\nThough some of the top seniors have began to commit, Wright said he's going to take his time.\n"I would like to start taking visits and start figuring it out by mid-June," Wright said. "I'm looking at making a decision in the early fall. Right now all the schools are even."\nA pair of teammates from the Spiece Indy Heat team were the buzz of the tournament; 2006 classmates Greg Oden and Mike Conley Jr. \nThe duo play basketball for Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis and guided the team to a 29-2 record and the 4-A state championship last season.\nOden, a 7-foot center, has been on the recruiting radar since his freshman year. Oden dominated play throughout the tournament, using strong moves and overpowering his opposition. Though Oden didn't list any schools, he has been linked with IU interest in the past.\nWith the recent influx of high school players declaring for the NBA Draft, Oden said he isn't concerned about it at this point in his career.\n"There is a lot of pressure (about the NBA)," Oden said. "I don't really think about it."\nConley Jr., plays point guard and is considered among the best of the 2006 class.\nOden powered his way to a double-double with 22 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks against Mean Streets during the event's championship game. Though Conley Jr.'s numbers weren't big, he sank two free throws to ice the game, along with four assists and three steals.\nIn Conley Jr.'s recruiting, proximity to schools could be a factor, as he said he would prefer to stay close to home.\n"I've looked at a few schools, Wake Forest, IU, Michigan State and Xavier," Conley Jr. said. \nTogether the two combined with 2005 class member Josh McRoberts to overpower the Mean Streets team from Chicago, 61-57.\nOden and Conley Jr. have already won the state title and captured the Adidas May Classic together, whether or not they continue after high school is unknown, Conley Jr. said.\n"We haven't talked about it much yet," Conley Jr. said with a smile. "Maybe next season we can talk about it a little more."\nFor the past two years the tournament had been held during Memorial Day weekend and called the Nike Memorial Day Classic. The Nike MDC attracted strictly Nike traveling teams, while the Adidas Classic brought traveling teams from Adidas, Nike and Reebok.\nThe event was moved to earlier in the month and is now called the Adidas Classic, which is also IU's new sponsor for athletic apparel.\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(05/17/04 1:40am)
The IU women's tennis team (17-8) traveled to Los Angeles looking for its first NCAA tournament win since 1997. Instead, the second seeded Hoosiers were upset by third seeded Arizona (7-13) 4-2, Friday at Marks Tennis Stadium at Southern California.\nThough the Wildcats record was under .500, the Hoosiers anticipated the match might come down to the end, so getting an early lead was important.\nIU started the match the way it hoped, by claiming the doubles point and starting off with a 1-0 advantage.\nComing away with victories for the Hoosiers were junior Dora Vastag and freshman Laura McGaffigan at No. 2 doubles, 8-4, and at No. 3 doubles were seniors Karie Schlukebir and Martina Grimm.\nThat point was a big boost for the team, Schlukebir said.\n"We felt good after getting the point," Schlukebir said. "Knowing that going into singles we needed three to advance was an advantage."\nHaving a 1-0 advantage meant IU could split the singles and still advance. \nArizona came out strong in singles play as they claimed points at No. 1 and 2 singles to grab a 2-1 lead.\nProviding a point for the Hoosiers, freshman Cecile Perton came away with a victory at No. 6 singles.\nPerton's win over sophomore Iza Ferreira 6-3, 6-1, tied the match and in the process provided her with a NCAA tournament win in her first appearance.\n"It was a pretty nice feeling," Perton said. "I just played my game and enjoyed the experience."\nWith the matched knotted at 2-2, it came down to a best of three matches to decide who would advance to the second round of the tournament.\nThe Hoosiers had their opportunities, but couldn't capitalize as two of the three singles matches went to three sets. Tiebreaker points were important at No. 3 and 4 singles.\nAt No. 3 singles sophomore Sarah Batty started off the match well by claiming the first set, 7-6, but dropped the next and was winning in the third and final set before the match was called after Arizona claimed the final point at No. 4 singles.\nPlaying at No. 4 for IU was McGaffigan who after winning the first set 6-3, lost the second 7-6, before losing the final set 6-2, to end the match.\nFor the team the loss marked the end of a co-Big Ten championship season and the end of three seniors' time at IU -- Grimm, Schlukebir and Linda Tran. \nThough IU fell in the first round, IU coach Lin Loring was pleased with the play against Arizona, he said. \n"I thought we competed well today, many of our losses have been to outdoor teams outside, and we had trouble again today," Loring said. "I'm happy about the NCAA experience they got, it's invaluable for them to be on the road and play at USC where they got such great tradition."\nFor most of the team the season is over, but for Tran and Batty they will continue play as they were selected to compete in the doubles championship in Athens, Ga., and Vastag was selected as an alternate in the singles bracket.\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(05/13/04 1:03am)
After a year hiatus from NCAA tournament action, the No. 21 Hoosiers (17-7) return to the big dance as the No. 2 seed against Arizona (6-12), the No. 3 seed, at 11 a.m., Friday in Los Angeles at Marks Tennis Stadium on the campus of Southern California.\nFor the Hoosiers, this will be their 21st appearance to the round of 64 in the last 26 years.\nIU is looking forward to the opportunity to play in Los Angeles, despite being put in the same bracket as the eighth seed in the tournament and No. 6 in the country USC, IU coach Lin Loring said.\n"The thing we want is the experience of playing in the NCAA tournament," Loring said. "If we had gone to Northwestern, it would have seemed like just another Big Ten weekend."\nIn facing Arizona, IU will be up against a team from a loaded Pac-10 conference, which placed seven teams in the tournament.\nThough the Wildcats come in with a lackluster record, it doesn't mean the Hoosiers will take them lightly.\nArizona boasts the No. 11 singles player, junior Dianne Hollands, and the No. 5 doubles team in Hollands and junior Maja Mlakar.\nLast time IU matched up with a lesser opponent, it resulted in a quarterfinal bowout to Iowa and an early exit from the Big Ten tournament.\nBecause of that experience, the Hoosiers fully respect Arizona, junior No. 52 Dora Vastag (19-11) said. \n"We definitely learned from the Big Ten experience where we lost to a lower-ranked team (in Iowa) in the quarterfinals," Vastag said. "So we'll come out ready to play and not underestimate anyone like last time." \nDespite not making the NCAA tournament last season, IU has a roster with four players having NCAA tournament experience.\nAmong the four with tournament experience, three are seniors, with a loss in any match possibly resulting in the end of their careers as Hoosiers.\n"I told the girls all year to play every match like its your last," senior Linda Tran said. "We've got nothing to lose, and its time to have fun and enjoy LA and the NCAA."\nWith the NCAA tournament comes the prospect in playing in close matches, the last time the Hoosiers played in the tournament they lost to Auburn, 4-3.\nIU has been involved in six 4-3 matches this season, winning the first five before losing to Iowa in the Big Ten Tournament.\nWith the prospect of a close match, the doubles point will be important. Though Arizona boasts the No. 5 team, IU will bring the No. 25 team in sophomore Sarah Batty and Tran to combat the Wildcats' duo.\nBecause the Wildcats are ranked high in the top part of their lineup in singles and doubles, the Hoosiers will need to play a solid match throughout, Loring said.\n"I think doubles will be important, but we'll have to play good singles and be competitive up and down the lineup," Loring said. "The bottom part of lineup is going to have to play well, because that is where I think we can get some points off them."\nIf IU gets past Arizona, the Hoosiers will next match up against either American University or the host USC at 5 p.m, Saturday, in Los Angeles at Marks Tennis Stadium.\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(05/03/04 5:50am)
The No. 61 Hoosiers (12-12, 6-6 Big Ten) continued their battle in the Big Ten conference tournament Saturday against No. 35 Minnesota (14-8, 9-2 Big Ten) in East Lansing, Mich.\nIn a match typifying the season for the sixth-seeded IU, the Hoosiers lost to the third seed, Minnesota, 4-3, which could have possibly ended their season.\nThe team will find out Wednesday, whether or not it is selected for the NCAA Tournament. \nThe last time these teams met, IU was without its No. 1 singles player, junior Jakub Praibis. \nHowever this time, Praibis made a difference as along with sophomore Dmytro Ishtuganov who won at No. 2 doubles 8-4, extending their doubles winning streak to 10. At No. 3 doubles the tandem of juniors Tom Bagnato and Ryan Recht won by the same 8-4 score, to give the Hoosiers a 1-0 lead.\nOn the singles side, play could be characterized in one word -- chaotic. \nMother Nature reared her ugly head and forced many of the matches indoors resulting in a 35-minute rain delay.\nBefore the delay, the teams played to a 2-2 tie. Picking up the point for the Hoosiers was Praibis at No. 1 over No. 57 Aleksey Zharinov 6-4, 6-3.\nFriday, Praibis, along with 12 others, was named to the All-Big Ten team -- IU's first since 2002 when Milan Rakvica claimed the honor.\nThough Praibis (15-6, 5-4 Big Ten) was proud to receive the honor, the 4-3 loss, the sixth of the season was hard to swallow, he said.\n"It was a nice honor and great recognition for me," Praibis said. "It would have been a good victory, up next to top 10 Virginia, so it's the second toughest."\nThough matches were switched indoors, the team felt they might have an advantage over the Golden Gophers because of their quickness.\nBeing down 3-2, Recht was able to get a little revenge against No. 70 Chris Wettengel, winning in three sets 7-6, 0-6, and 6-3, after losing earlier in the season to him in a close three setter.\nThe match came down to No. 5 singles and freshman David Bubenicek.\nLike earlier in the year, IU couldn't close out, and fell 4-3.\nMoving indoors might have been a factor in the loss, but IU coach Ken Hydinger felt an injury suffered by Bubenicek was bigger. \n"Moving indoors was not a factor -- if anything, we thought indoors might give us (an) advantage," Hydinger said. "David pulling a groin during the second set was a bigger reason. I would have bet the moon on David beating that guy."\nWith this loss comes uncertainty as the Hoosiers will now wait for a decision on whether their season ends or they move on to compete in the NCAA Tournament.\nIf it is the end of the season for IU it will be a difficult way to go out, Recht said.\n"It is tough knowing that today could have been the end of the season for us," Recht said. "And not knowing whether we are going to the tournament or working toward next season makes it hard."\nIf the Hoosiers are unable to get into the NCAA Tournament, they have much to be excited about for next year as they return the entire eight man roster, and will welcome one of the top players from the state of Ohio, Michael McCarthy, brother of junior Ryan McCarthy.\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(04/30/04 5:21am)
Apparently, twice is as nice. \nThe No. 61 IU men's tennis team (12-11, 6-5 Big Ten), the six seed in the Big Ten tournament, defeated No. 11 seed Iowa 4-0, the second time in as many weeks. The win advanced IU to the quarterfinals to face No. 35 Minnesota (13-8, 8-2 Big Ten), the three seed, at 1 p.m. today in East Lansing, Mich., at the Michigan State Outdoor Courts.\nThe Hoosiers started the match positively by capturing the doubles point for the ninth time, ensuring the 1-0 lead. \nThe team was forced into lineup changes in doubles because of injuries. Junior Jakub Praibis and sophomore Dmytro Ishtuganov won 8-2, staying consistent at No. 2 doubles and giving them a nine-match winning streak. At No. 3 doubles, juniors Tom Bagnato and Ryan Recht also won, 8-5. \nWarm conditions and the 20 plus mile-per-hour winds IU faced helped the team prevail against the Hawkeyes (3-17, 0-11), IU coach Ken Hydinger said.\n"We played through some very tough conditions today," Hydinger said. "Overall, I was pleased with the performance, and now we have to get ourselves ready for a tough match with Minnesota (today)."\nIU's stellar play carried into singles as the Hoosiers won the three necessary matches to clinch the win.\nAt No. 1 singles, Praibis won in straight sets 6-0, 6-3 and Bagnato clinched the match with wins in three sets 6-4, 3-6 and 6-0.\nSolid doubles paved the way for a successful afternoon, but having more intensity for the Golden Gophers will be important, sophomore Neil Kenner said.\n"Everyone though is going to have to pick their intensity, and not back down when we play tomorrow," he said.\nWhen IU and Minnesota last met, the Hoosiers fell to the Golden Gophers 7-0. It was a day of close matches, none of which IU could claim.\nMinnesota boasts a team finishing third in the conference, only after losing to the Big Ten's top two teams. The Golden Gophers have two players in the top 70 in Aleksey Zharinov and Chris Wettengel at No. 57 and 70, respectively.\nThe difference between the last time and this time will be not only the neutral court, but more importantly, IU will have the No. 51 player in the country, Praibis (14-6, 4-4 Big Ten).\nPraibis was unable to play last time because of injury and said he is looking forward to the opportunity to compete against Minnesota.\n"Last time, it was pretty close even though it was 7-0," Praibis said. "The injury is better than before; hopefully, I can play my best and make a difference against Minnesota."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(04/29/04 4:30am)
The No. 61 Hoosiers (11-11, 5-5 Big Ten) hope their second go-around against Iowa will be as kind as the first with the start of the Big Ten men's tennis tournament. IU opens tournament play as the No. 6 seed and will face off against the No. 11 seed Hawkeyes (3-16, 0-10 Big Ten) at 1 p.m. today in East Lansing, Mich., at the Michigan State Outdoor Courts.\nThis will be the second time IU has met up with the Hawkeyes in two weeks. The first time out was a big success for the Hoosiers, as they dominated the match from start to finish with a rousing 7-0 romp, claiming all the doubles and singles matches.\nThe Hawkeyes are trying to prevent going the entire Big Ten season without a victory.\n"Playing them again is an advantage, as we are definitely seen as the favorite for the match," Junior Tom Bagnato said. \nWith the Big Ten tournament, IU expects a more intense atmosphere, as teams will play with more urgency in hopes of keeping their NCAA tournament hopes alive.\n"I think (playing in the first round) is an advantage, because we get that extra match under our belts before going into the heavy stuff," sophomore Neil Kenner said. \nGetting off to a solid start in the tournament will be key for the Hoosiers, as the team has been dealing with late season injuries, including those of the No. 51 player in the country, junior Jakub Praibis. \nA win against Iowa would go a long way in terms of keeping IU's NCAA tournament hopes alive. The Hoosiers enjoyed a three-match winning streak against ranked opponents at the halfway point in the conference season, but come into tournament play reeling, ending their conference play by losing three of their last four.\nTwo-seeded Minnesota awaits the matches' winner.\n"You have to walk a tightrope between adrenaline and calm, while not playing flat or out of control," IU coach Ken Hydinger said.\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(04/23/04 5:59am)
When the No. 59 Hoosiers (11-9, 5-3) hit the road this weekend, they will be trying to keep one streak alive while ending two others. IU will face Purdue tomorrow at noon in West Lafayette and then head to Champaign, Ill., to face the No.1 Illinois Fighting Illini.\nIn taking on No. 62 Purdue (9-10, 4-4), IU will be looking to extend its road match winning streak after defeating Penn State 6-1 in its last trip. In the process, it is trying to snap a seven-match losing streak to the Boilermakers.\nAs far as challenges go, No. 1 Illinois (23-0, 8-0) is as tough a test as the Hoosiers can face. The Fighting Illini are currently on a 55-match winning streak and have also taken the last seven from IU. \nIllinois backs up its gaudy record with substance, as it boasts the top-ranked singles player in the nation in Brian Wilson. The Illini have three additional team members in the rankings, at No. 36, 80 and 113, respectively.\nDoubles is an additional strength for the Fighting Illini with all three doubles teams. In the rankings, their highest team is No. 4. \nWhen No. 62 junior Jakub Praibis (13-5, 3-3) takes to the court in Champaign, it will mark his second opportunity facing the nation's top-ranked player this year. Earlier this season he matched up with Ohio State's Jeremy Wurtzman and fell in three sets.\nThe chance to face the top-ranked player is a big opportunity, Praibis said.\n"I'm looking forward to it, but it will be different this time because of the injury," Praibis said. "It should be extra motivation facing No. 1, but I should be playing every match the same."\nFor IU, it could be easy to overlook Purdue with the No. 1 team coming the following day, but the Boilermakers aren't being taken lightly.\nBeside the obvious reasons of the rivalry between the schools and Purdue's recent dominance in the series, there is also position at stake in the Big Ten Tournament.\nA win against the Boilermakers would assure IU of no worse than fifth in the conference and an extra day of rest in the tournament.\nEven with half of the roster being new to IU, the importance of the match is known to all, junior Ryan Recht said.\n"Its very big; IU and Purdue have great tradition no matter (what) the sport," Recht said. "The newcomers are well aware of the tradition, and everyone will be extra pumped up to get a good win."\nIn spite of Illinois' recent success, it can't be assumed IU is headed for a loss.\nThough IU lost 7-0 to Illinois last season, it won one of the doubles matches as Recht and sophomore John Stone defeated the tandem of Michael Calkins and Amer Delic 8-6.\nClose losses to ACC champion No. 8 Virginia and No. 20 Ohio State, which lost a 4-3 decision to Illinois, has the Hoosiers believing they can compete with anyone in the Fighting Illini's lineup and possibly pull off the upset.\n"It's totally an opportunity playing Illinois. We have nothing to lose on this one," IU coach Ken Hydinger said. "The finish is important because it is what the guys have worked for, and they want to have as good as season as possible."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(04/20/04 4:55am)
There are many important parts to any team, from players to trainers and specifically, coaches. This was evident last year when newly-hired assistant coach Matt Pledger had to fill the shoes of IU coach Ken Hydinger, who was on administrative leave last season for medical reasons. \nPledger, who had been hired in the fall of 2002, was put in charge of a Big Ten school in his first year and guided it to a 12-11 record. On top of winning the first seven matches, Pledger led the team to a national ranking of No. 21. \nThroughout last season, Pledger was presented with the challenge of coaching a young team on his own in his first year. \nWith all the challenges he faced, the team just missed out on the NCAA tournament and was able to do a good job, Hydinger said. \n"I think he (Pledger) really enjoyed it and did it well," Hydinger said. "He is still young enough that he can play with the guys and have the ability to get a great feel for their game, and he's done a good job with that."\nThough it was his first year at the helm, Pledger had been considering coaching from the time he was an All-American player at Mississippi State.\nWhile at MSU, he was exposed to a winning tradition, advancing to the NCAA semi-finals one year and the quarterfinals the other three.\nBefore coaching, Pledger talked to many coaches around the country to get a feel for what college coaching involved, he said.\n"Playing college tennis and being part of those teams was the greatest experience in my life up to that point," Pledger said. "I wish I could still play, but being able to come out here and contribute as a coach with this team is something very important to me."\nIn early September 2003, Pledger was promoted from assistant coach to associate head coach. With it came head coaching responsibilities as Pledger assisted Hydinger with many tasks.\nWith Pledger, IU has a coach that not only established himself in college, but also played professionally. He played from 1997 to 2000 and achieved a doubles ranking of No. 256 in the world.\nHaving Pledger as a member of the Hoosier coaching staff is major plus for many reasons, junior Ryan Recht said.\n"It's great having him on the staff," Recht said. "He's a good person to begin with and on top of that, a very good player and he can coach."\nWith the changing of roles, Pledger now has more time to work with players. \nOne of the things Pledger does now with the team is prepare it for the upcoming matches. Because of Pledger's versatility, he can play contrasting styles of tennis, allowing the players to develop different parts of their game.\nComing with the changed role has been the ability to establish closer bonds with the players, Pledger said.\n"Last year when I was head coach I wasn't able to be a buddy with them, I had to be hard on them," Pledger said. "Now I've been able to develop relationships with the guys, and we've come pretty close, and I enjoy the opportunity to help them out and be a friend when things are tough."\nWith the head coach and associate head coach together, IU is in the hunt for a NCAA tournament berth.\n"Both roles are very important," Pledger said. "But after having to do both last year, it's nice knowing that I only have one this year."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(04/19/04 5:59am)
On a weekend where the sun was out and temperatures reached into the 80's, the No. 56 Hoosiers (11-9, 5-3) started cold but heated up to salvage the weekend split and finish tied with Northwestern for third in the Big Ten. IU lost to Minnesota 7-0 but turned around and beat the Iowa Hawkeyes, 7-0.\nFirst up for IU was No. 33 Minnesota (12-7, 7-1) Saturday at the IU Tennis Center. The Hoosiers were looking to keep their conference doubles streak alive and provide the team with the 1-0 advantage going into singles. Junior Jakub Praibis and sophomore Dmytro Ishtuganov won at No. 3 doubles, 8-2, but neither No. 1 or No. 2 earned a victory. The loss at doubles was the first during Big Ten play for IU.\nThough they were down 1-0, the Hoosiers started singles well, winning the first set in three of the matches. Unfortunately for the Hoosiers, that was where the luck ended, as IU took four of the singles matches into the third set but was unable to come away with a victory. \nThough the team had a tough loss, they remained focused on the match ahead: Iowa, Praibis said.\n"For the team, we had a tough loss against a good team," Praibis (13-5, 3-3) said. "The best healing for a tough loss is a win."\nThe Hoosiers got exactly that -- a win against the Big Ten's last place team, Iowa, 7-0.\nThings got off on the right foot for IU as they claimed the doubles point for the seventh time during Big Ten play.\nThe team got a boost yesterday afternoon as Praibis -- whose play had been limited due to injury -- made his return to the top spot in the lineup.\nWith Praibis back at No.1 and the entire team playing solid games, the Hoosiers made short work of the Hawkeyes (3-14, 0-8) as all of the matches were straight set victories.\nGetting the victory was big for the team, as they kept its conference and overall records above .500 going into the last weekend of the regular season, junior Ryan Recht said.\n"Getting this victory against Iowa was big for us, giving us confidence going into our road matches next weekend," Recht said. "It feels good being 5-3 in the conference and knowing that we can improve upon next weekend."\nThough the Hoosiers are having to deal with injuries, they feel that the level of play is strong. \nHealth is a major factor for IU as the team goes down the stretch to finish out the regular season and playing in the Big Ten tournament. \nThe Hoosiers' goal all season has been advancing to the NCAA tournament. Despite their play of late in winning four of their last five, including victories against three ranked opponents, IU coach Ken Hydinger feels it will be tight getting into NCAA tournament, he said.\n"We'll have to see what draw we get and what we do next week and at the Big Ten tournament," Hydinger said. "We've got to walk a tightrope to get in."\nWith the win against Iowa, IU closed out its home season with a 7-5 record, including winning four of its last five. IU will take to the road and attempt to keep its NCAA tournament hopes alive against in-state rival No. 68 Purdue (9-10, 4-4) noon Saturday in West Lafayette at the Varsity Tennis Courts.\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(04/16/04 5:34am)
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.
(04/13/04 4:25am)
It started for junior Jakub Praibis when he was four years old, hitting a ball against the wall. By age seven, he was on the court. Now, the 21-year-old native of Litomerice, Czech Republic, has emerged as one of the nation's best tennis players, leading the No. 68 Hoosiers (10-8, 4-2).\nPraibis, in his second year playing No. 1 singles for IU, has compiled a record of 12-5 this season, including five victories over ranked players. Praibis' career record at IU is 42-20.\nPlaying at No. 1 provides a lot of challenges for the Czech Republic native. He is always facing the team's best player, but it is a continual process of gaining experience, IU coach Ken Hydinger said.\n"He's had some big wins, and he is still learning from (playing No. 1)," Hydinger said. "He's stepping up. I was worried about it after losing to (Jeremy) Wurtzman, but he came ready to play the next time out. There are no easy matches, you have to be ready to scrap and claw for everything out there."\nMuch of the experience Praibis has gained from playing at No.1 has come against the nation's best, including No. 1 Wurtzman of Ohio State and No. 8 Jesse Witten of Kentucky, both of whom he took to three sets. \nThough Praibis' game has improved, making him a more versatile player, his mental approach to each match is more noticeable, allowing him to help pace the Hoosiers.\nThis was evident in IU's 6-1 victory over Michigan State, Hoosiers' associate head coach Matt Pledger said.\n"He wasn't 100 percent today, but he stayed in there and gave a good effort because that is what a team player does, and that is what you expect from one of your top players," Pledger said. "Mental toughness is the big difference. Last year he wouldn't have stepped up like that."\nFor the Hoosiers, it is easy to see why Praibis is an integral part of the team. He gives them a strong No. 1 player, which allows everyone on the roster to be pushed down a position and also wins big matches.\nThe Hoosiers feel they are fortunate to have a well-rounded person in Praibis at the top spot, Hydinger said. \n"I firmly believe that his game is better than his self-concept is. I think he can win that match against No. 1 Wurtzman, which tells you what I think of his ability," Hydinger said. "He's not an ego guy, and didn't get the swelled head with being at No. 1 -- he's a good student and hard worker and a good person." \nThough Praibis has his sights set on next season, he still is focusing on this year. He is concentrating on getting healthy and back to the playing form he was at earlier in the season.\nBeing injured provided one of the biggest moments this season, Praibis said. \n"Last week was interesting with the wrist hurting, I came back to win 7-5 in the third set (against Malcom Scatliffe of Penn State)," Praibis said. "It is always nice to win tough matches -- it probably wasn't my best performance, but it was a nice feeling."\nBoth Hydinger and Pledger said they feel Praibis can be a special player during his senior campaign. To do so, he will need to take his strength and conditioning to a different level, gaining more confidence, including the confidence that he can beat one anyone in the country, Hydinger said.\nThere is even the possibility of Praibis gaining All-American status, which has only happened twice in IU history. It would be big for the program not only in terms of recognition and recruiting, but it also allows players to learn from Praibis and step their game up to a different level, Pledger said.\nFor Praibis, his main focus remains to get healthy for this season and try and get to the NCAA tournament, but he is looking to the future as well. \n"It would be great if I could stay healthy throughout the whole season, and have the opportunity to beat great players," Praibis humbly said. "I would also like to get to the NCAA tournament as a team and in singles … and maybe even doubles."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(04/12/04 1:46pm)
It is said home is where the heart is, and that is where the No. 68 Hoosiers (8-8, 2-2) will be after taking to the road last weekend, pulling an upset of then-No. 51 Penn State. IU will be welcoming a pair of foes from the Great Lakes state in No. 55 Michigan State (14-9, 1-4 Big Ten) Friday and No. 50 Michigan (10-5, 2-3 Big Ten) Saturday at the IU outdoor Varsity Tennis Courts.\nIn preparing for the Spartans, IU faces a team currently residing No. 10 in the conference due to a rocky start. This is a team that has fallen victim to losing close matches during Big Ten play, as three of its losses were 4-3.\nThe Wolverines will be coming to Bloomington after getting their 10th victory of the season last weekend against Iowa. Currently, Michigan sits alone at 5th in the conference and will bring the No. 55 player in singles Michael Rubin into Saturday's match.\nThe matches this weekend will play a factor in how the team is seeded in the Big Ten tournament, and the importance of the matches are recognized, IU coach Ken Hydinger said.\n"These are big matches. Win two, we're 4-2; lose two, we're 2-4 with only four to go," Hydinger said. "The key is that if we can put together a good little streak here, we can get in a good position for the Big Ten (tournament)."\nComing off the win over the Nittany Lions, a team ranked over 20 spots ahead of it, IU is full of confidence after rebounding from a tough loss to Ohio State.\nThe Hoosiers hope to carry that momentum into the weekend matches and attempt to move up in the Big Ten standings as well as increase their possibility for an NCAA tournament berth.\nBeing outdoors is one element the Hoosiers of which will look to take advantage, as well as being at home, junior Jakub Praibis No. 60 in singles said.\n"I think we can take some advantage of it because they are not used to playing outdoors as much as us," Praibis said. "But we shouldn't think it should be any easier just because we are at home."\nAs the conference season goes into its final stretch, the team is feeling its improvement as the season progresses. \nThough the team has lost some tough matches in conference and out-of-conference, things are going in the right direction heading into the weekend's matches, sophomore Neil Kenner said.\n"I don't think we have anything to be upset about. I think we are in a good position right now," Kenner said. "We seem to be getting better every match, and if this trend continues, I think we should be in a good place by the end of the season."\nThe match with Michigan State begins at 1 p.m. today, and the match with Michigan begins at noon Sunday. \n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(04/12/04 6:34am)
Coming into the weekend's matches, the Hoosiers were hoping to come away with two victories going into their final homestand next weekend. IU did just that by beating No. 55 Michigan State 6-1 Friday and outlasting No. 50 Michigan 4-3, in the process getting its 10th victory of the season.\nThe team's health, which had been an earlier issue when freshman David Bubenicek was out at the beginning of the season, reared its ugly head as No. 1 singles player, junior Jakub Praibis, and sophomore John Stone were limited in playing time. Injuries didn't stop either as both earned victories against Michigan State and Michigan in doubles.\nHaving to deal with the injuries could have been an easy escape for the team, but the Hoosiers played with determination and heart, IU coach Ken Hydinger said.\n"This could have been an easy weekend for somebody to take an excuse and say 'It's not my day' or 'It's not meant to be,'" Hydinger said. "This is the type of weekend that makes or breaks a season."\nAfter knocking off Michigan State the previous day, the Hoosiers (10-8, 4-2) were looking to beat the top-50 Michigan Wolverines (11-6, 2-4).\nThings started off well for IU as for the sixth time in Big Ten play, the team claimed the doubles point and secured the 1-0 lead going into singles.\nThe team was dealt a blow when Praibis, the No. 60 player and No. 1 singles player, couldn't participate in singles. This caused everyone to move up one spot in the lineup, but this didn't hinder the team's performance.\nMoving into the No.1 slot was junior Ryan Recht (13-10, 2-3), who in the process upset No. 55 Michael Rubin 7-6 (2) and 4-1, before Rubin retired to end the match. This was Recht's second victory over a ranked opponent this season, as he previously beat No. 98 Stephen Rozek of Virginia.\nGetting the victory was nice considering the circumstances the team faced and the opportunity to play at No.1, Recht said. \n"When I was playing at No.1 today, I knew it was a great chance for me to play a great opponent, and knowing if I played my game and play the way I needed to, I could come away with a victory," Recht said. "It is nice knowing that I ended up doing that and getting the outcome I wanted."\nIn addition to Recht, junior Ryan McCarthy and Bubenicek picked up victories in singles to give IU the lead at 4-0 and ensure the win. Michigan won the last three matches to give the final 4-3 margin. The Hoosiers ended a streak of 5 losses when involved in 4-3 matches.\nFriday the Hoosiers came out focused and were looking to get over the .500 mark in Big Ten play. IU did just that by winning 6-1 over No. 55 Michigan State (14-10, 1-5).\nThe Hoosiers got the match started on a positive note by winning all three matches to gain the doubles point. Singles play went over just as well, as the Hoosiers were able to win five of the six matches.\nHydinger tipped his hat to Dr. Dale Dellacqua and trainer Wendy Poppy, who were a big part of the victory because of injuries the team faced coming into the weekend, he said.\nThe team's confidence is up after sweeping the weekend series and extending its winning streak to three games, McCarthy said. \n"It's a confidence booster, especially after some heartbreaking losses at the beginning of the year," McCarthy (12-12, 3-1) said. "I think we are very confident going into the two matches against Iowa and Minnesota, and capable of taking down Minnesota."\nIU will get the opportunity to knock off another ranked opponent when it matches up with No. 31 Minnesota (11-7, 6-1), at noon Saturday at the IU Varsity Courts.\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(04/02/04 6:19am)
Going on the road is a challenge all teams face, but for the first time this season IU (7-7, 1-1) will play back-to-back days at different sites. The road for the Hoosiers will be tough as they face off against No. 16 Ohio State (13-2, 3-0) tomorrow at noon in Columbus, Ohio at the Stickney Tennis Center. IU battles No. 51 Penn State at noon in State College, PA., at the Surni Tennis Center Sunday.\nWhen IU takes to the court tomorrow, it will have its hands full against the loaded Buckeyes. OSU boasts three players with 18 singles wins including top-ranked Jeremy Wurtzman, who has already picked up 27 wins on the season. \nThe Nittany Lions (11-4, 2-1) won't provide the Hoosiers with any breaks, as they were able to knock off two top 50 opponents last weekend, which propelled them in the rankings by over 20 spots. Penn State will also bring the Big Ten's reigning Player of the Week, Malcolm Scatliffe.\nHaving the opportunity to face highly ranked opponents is one the team does often, but getting the opportunity to match up against the No. 1 player in the country is a big opportunity, No. 73 junior Jakub Praibis said.\n"I'll try my best, but I will probably think of (the match) a little differently than usual," Praibis said. "I need to be as ready as possible, and this will give me a good opportunity to prove what my best is."\nLast time out, IU was able to prevail against Wisconsin 5-2, despite losing the doubles point. This time though, it could be to repeat the result with both teams boasting solid doubles squads.\nThe Buckeyes are dominating teams in doubles, losing the point only twice in 13 matches and going 12-1 in the matches in which they have won the point. Ohio State will also be bringing in a 12 home match winning streak into play tomorrow dating back to last season -- nine of which have come this year. \nIn matches against strong teams it can come down to the doubles point as the Hoosiers know, and could be important again this weekend, sophomore John Stone said. \n"The doubles is the key to winning big matches," Stone said. "I think it will come down to doubles, because our singles are good enough to beat them."\nPicking up a victory or two here would be big for the team as it would keep them above .500 before coming home for four matches, as well as get them big wins for their NCAA tournament resume.\n"In the Big Ten you just have to go out and get ready to battle," IU coach Ken Hydinger said. "It doesn't matter if you're at home or away, you have to scrap and claw and get anything you can get, and go all out, that's Big Ten."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(03/30/04 4:21am)
Coming off a season in which they finished 12-11 and returned only four players, the Hoosiers were looking for a spark from their newcomers. \nIU has gotten just that from its three transfer players -- sophomores Dmytro Ishtuganov and Neil Kenner and junior Ryan McCarthy.\nWith their help, the Hoosiers are ranked No. 70 in the country, working toward a NCAA tournament berth and improving as the season progresses.\nWith transferring comes challenges, including getting used to a new campus, new classes and a new team.\nBeing closer to home is one of the advantages McCarthy, a transfer from Furman University in Greenville, S.C., cites with helping him get acclimated to IU.\n"Being closer to home is definitely an advantage, since my family can come and watch," McCarthy said. "I pretty much made a quick adjustment. Being from the Midwest, I got a lot of friends here, so it was an easy transition into school and the social aspect."\nThe opportunity to play against better competition is also a reason the transfers chose IU and the Big Ten Conference. And having the opportunity to attend a school that combines academics along with a great tennis tradition was another major attraction, Ishtuganov said.\n"School is very challenging, but it is how it should be," Ishtuganov said. "We have great conditions to practice in, and I wouldn't get this many opportunities at other places. This is one of the best spots I could be in."\nFor all the transfers, academics played a large role in their decision to attend IU. The main attraction was the Kelley School of Business, as all three are pursuing degrees from the school.\nAlong with Kelley's reputation as being one of the best in the country, the players welcome the challenges the classes present and the advantages they will receive once they obtain their diplomas.\nOne upperhand the business school provides is it helps attract the ideal players for the tennis program, IU coach Ken Hydinger said. \n"The advantage is huge, since athletics and business have a good correlation, because you have to be a competitor in the business school and athletics," Hydinger said. "When they investigate in our business school, they find out they really want that degree from IU, and it gets us a guy that is achievement oriented and a guy that looks for a challenge and that is a competitor."\nThe opportunity to play at IU is one that involves a lot of decision making with a little luck.\nFor Kenner, his former coach in Dallas, Dan Holden, had an existing relationship with coach Hydinger, which was what got him in the position to make the jump to Bloomington.\nGetting used to a bigger school was one of the challenges Kenner faced when he made the choice to attend IU, he said.\n"I didn't really decide until Aug. 12 to really come to IU," Kenner said. "I think being able to work through all the practices, matches, school work and by getting into a good ritual has allowed me to handle it all."\nAs the season and school year start to wind down, the players said they are pleased with their decisions to come to IU and play for the Hoosiers.\n"I'm extremely happy with both tennis and school here at IU," McCarthy said.\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(03/29/04 5:50am)
On a day where the weather was indicative of how the team played, IU (7-7, 1-1) got out from behind the clouds after doubles play and outshined Wisconsin (5-7, 0-2) Saturday, 5-2, to pick up its first victory of the Big Ten season.\nComing into the match, the Hoosiers were looking to even their record and pick up a much-needed victory before they hit the road to face Ohio State and Penn State next weekend.\nThough the team fell behind early in the match, losing the doubles point and falling behind 1-0, the team remained confident going into the singles matches, IU coach Ken Hydinger said.\n"I think they are confident in themselves," Hydinger said of his team members. "These guys expect to perform well."\nAlong with the addition of the homecourt advantage, the Hoosiers used the health advantage, as, for the first time since the beginning of the season, IU had its full compliment of players on the court.\nLed by No. 73 junior Jakub Praibis (11-3, 1-1), who won at No. 1, 7-6 (3) 6-2, and sophomore Neil Kenner (11-10, 1-1,) who prevailed at No. 3, 6-3, 6-3, the Hoosiers won five of the six singles matches.\nFor Kenner, picking up the win against Wisconsin's David Hippee was pleasant because of their earlier match in the fall season, Kenner said.\n"I told coach (Hydinger) that I hope they make the switch (Hippee to No. 3 singles)," Kenner said. "I have been playing a lot better now that we're outside, which is my kind of game."\nBy having a full roster to work with for the first time in two months, IU gave everyone an opportunity to participate in the victory.\nAmong those who shined on the court was freshman David Bubenicek (5-5, 1-0), who, after not playing in over two months due to injury, picked up his second victory of the spring season with a dominating performance against Ward Bortz, 6-3, 6-1. This was Bubenicek's first match back since Jan. 24, when the Hoosiers battled Middle Tennessee State.\nBeing able to pick up the victory and play for the first time in a while was great, Bubenicek said.\n"I was feeling pretty good and concentrating well," Bubenicek said. "I played a smart game and worked very well against the guy."\nGetting the victory is one the Hoosiers feel will be beneficial throughout the remainder of the season because they remained focused and pulled out the victory after falling behind early.\nIU will get an opportunity to test that confidence when it travels to Columbus, Ohio, to battle the No. 18 Ohio State Buckeyes (13-2, 3-0) Saturday.\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(03/26/04 5:48am)
After a non-conference season which concluded with a 6-6 record, including losing four matches by the score 4-3, the No. 72 Hoosiers (6-7, 0-1) resume Big Ten play against Wisconsin (5-6, 0-1) tomorrow at noon at the IU Tennis Center or the IU Outdoor Tennis courts depending on the weather.\nThough the team feels it has competed well, there is a feeling of disappointment about the non-conference season, mainly because of the missed opportunities to pick up big victories. Of the seven matches, IU has lost this season, five have been the 4-3 score variety, including a loss to current No. 14 Virginia Feb. 29.\nThough the Badgers are currently unranked, it doesn't mean the Hoosiers will overlook them as they boast the No. 32 doubles team, IU coach Ken Hydinger said. \n"We've had battles with them in the past, and every Big Ten match is a battle," Hydinger said. "Their doubles are always good and they're going to be scrappy."\nHaving the team healthy for the first time since the beginning of the season is a factor the Hoosiers hope will aid them in pulling out the close matches, and get them over the hump.\nPicking up a victory against Wisconsin would be significant, because it can even IU's record out in both overall play and Big Ten, as six of its next nine opponents are currently ranked, including No.1 Illinois.\nThe importance of the Big Ten season is sensed by all, said junior Ryan McCarthy, a transfer student from Furman University. \n"I kind of now realize how important each Big Ten match is, with the rivalry and the atmosphere involved," McCarthy said. "You always want to win, but it is more enjoyable to beat a conference foe."\nGetting a victory against the Badgers is key as the Hoosiers have struggled to a 4-16 record in conference play the last two years.\nA victory against Wisconsin could get things going for the Hoosiers and help lead to a possible NCAA berth, junior Tom Bagnato said.\n"It seems that every time we had a win early in the season, that we would follow it up with a loss," Bagnato said. "Hopefully we can get rolling to a good start to the Big Ten season, and get a couple of wins in a row."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(03/25/04 4:56am)
Having the ability to bounce back from adversity is critical in any sport, especially after an unsuccessful season. IU boasts one player in particular who has rebounded from having a poor season last year to being an important member in the IU men's tennis team.\nJunior Tom Bagnato, a 5-foot-10 inch native of Richmond Hills, N.Y., -- an area outside the New York City area -- has made strides in his game allowing him to improve on a 6-8 record last season to his current record of 11-9 for the 6-7 Hoosiers.\nThe improvement Bagnato has made has been dramatic, as consistency has played a major role in his improvement, IU head coach Ken Hydinger said. \n"Last year Tom was inconsistent in his practice, in his match approach and day-to-day approach. Everything about him was inconsistent," Hydinger said. "This year he is much more focused, practices have been better and level of play through matches is better."\nBeing able to play more within himself and not trying to play too big, Bagnato allowed himself to set up his shots, which has led to improvement with his serves and volleys.\nGetting more playing time has also helped with Bagnato's improvement, as he's playing in more matches this season than he did in all of last season.\nBagnato's approach method for his matches has also been a major reason for the improvement this season, he said. \n"I think taking my tennis more serious this year (is a reason for the improvement)," Bagnato said. "I have more of a desire to do better in tennis. Last year, I didn't have the anxiety to do well or have the focus to perform well."\nBagnato has played in many positions for IU this year -- playing mostly at the No. 4 singles spot for the Hoosiers.\nHaving Bagnato perform well at that spot for the Hoosiers has allowed them to put players a spot lower and take some of the pressure off of the No. 5 and No. 6 positions.\nThe improved play by Bagnato has also been important for IU due to injuries, associate head coach Matt Pledger said.\n"He's been a big asset for us, as he is one of the more talented players," Pledger said. "He can hit a winner anywhere on the court and is tough to beat. His impact on the team has helped us out a lot."\nGlimpses of Bagnato's stellar play could be seen last year as he defeated the No. 86 and No. 104 players in back-to-back weeks when he knocked off John Hoyes of Miami (Fla) 6-3,6-1 and Rahim Esmail of Kentucky 6-3, 4-3, respectively.\nWith more playing time and confidence, Bagnato is learning what shots he can and can't get away with, which has helped him to a record above .500. \nThe success of this season is something Bagnato is pleased with and feels is something that can be built on, he said.\n"I think I can be really successful. I'm playing consistent and my level of play has been good throughout the whole season," Bagnato said. "I'm looking forward to doing well the rest of the season and hopefully getting some big wins."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(03/10/04 4:52am)
After taking a hiatus from the non-conference schedule to take on Big Ten foe Northwestern, the Hoosiers resume non-Big Ten play searching for a victory against border rival No. 15 Kentucky at 2 p.m. today in Lexington. \nThis will be the start of a three-match road trip for IU, which will continue down in Tampa, Fla., during spring break. The No. 64 Hoosiers (5-5) wrapped up their five-match homestand Friday against Northwestern and finished 2-3 after losing to three ranked opponents in the final match.\nThe Hoosiers won't get any favors from the Wildcats (6-4), though. Their record might be deceiving for a highly-ranked opponent, but they have played eight out of 10 matches against ranked opponents, winning four. Kentucky also has two players ranked in the top 100 in singles, including No. 15 Jesse Witten. \n"They are the most talented team that we have faced thus far," IU coach Ken Hydinger said. "Top to bottom, (Kentucky coach Dennis Emery) has some real talent."\nThough the ranking disparity looks to be a disadvantage, it is deceptive, as the Hoosiers boast the No. 31 doubles team in junior Ryan Recht and sophomore John Stone and the reigning Big Ten Player of Week junior Jakub Praibis, who is No. 59 in singles after being previously unranked.\nThis match will start the outdoor season for the Hoosiers, where, for the first time this season, they will have to deal with variables of wind and light.\n"Playing outdoors is a little different style. The courts will probably be slower than we are used to," sophomore Neil Kenner said. "I don't feel it is going to hurt us, though."\nBesides having the conditions to face, IU will look to get over its hurdle of not closing out matches.\nDespite losing their last three matches in the final match-up, the Hoosiers are remaining confident.\nThough it is tough to deal with the close losses, it is important for IU to stay persistent and be ready for the close match, Praibis said.\n"It is tough, but we have to keep trying," Praibis said. "We have to not be afraid of victory and take it as a usual game or match and not be afraid of the pressure in a close match."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(03/09/04 6:02am)
Being friends on the court is part of the territory when it comes to playing sports for any team. But the friendship sophomore John Stone and junior Ryan Recht have off the court has led to success on the tennis courts as they achieved the No. 49 national ranking in doubles in late February.\nIn the season thus far, the Hoosier tandem has compiled a record of 10-4 at the No. 1 doubles slot for the Hoosiers. They have done this against some of the top competition in the country and were able to pull off an upset earlier in the season, before they were nationally ranked in defeating Middle Tennessee State's No. 30, Trevor Short and Kirk Jackson 8-4 Jan. 24.\nBefore they achieved national-ranking status, they began the season ranked No. 13 in the Midwest Region and were able to defeat the No. 9 team in the Midwest from Ball State 9-7 -- which paced the Hoosiers in the victory over the Cardinals.\nBeing nationally ranked was a nice feeling for Stone and Recht in light of the hard work from the fall season and carrying it over into a successful start in the regular season, Recht said.\n"It was a great feeling going through that list and to see our names on there," Recht said. "I wasn't expecting it right away, but it was a good feeling."\nThis isn't the first time the duo played together, as they were able to finish out the regular season as partners last year and were able to compile a 5-6 record, including 3-3 in the Big Ten.\nTheir success wasn't limited to the scholastic year, as Recht and Stone advanced to the semifinals of the ITA National Summer Championships last summer in Bloomington.\nA consensus opinion between both the players and IU coach Ken Hydinger is that the turning point came in April of last year when the pair defeated the No. 6 doubles team in the country, Michael Calkins and Amer Delic from Illinois 8-6 in April.\nThe victory provided them with the knowledge they know they're able to compete on a national level, Stone said.\n"We knew that we could beat anyone," Stone said.\nDealing with the pressure of being ranked nationally is one both Recht and Stone are enjoying.\nHandling the pressure well has been something they've done in the midst of trying to get into the NCAA Tournament by playing consistently and being ready to play each time out.\nWith the ranking comes the challenge of defending it each time out and being a marked target for all opponents, Recht said.\n"You can tell every doubles match they are coming out to get you," Recht said. "Everyone knows you are ranked so they are gunning for you, and you just have to take every match the same -- by being prepared and real focused."\nPlaying doubles tennis involves a lot of trust while being able to compliment each other -- on and off the court.\nBy having a solid friendship off the court, which stems from playing junior tennis together, Recht and Stone have developed a confidence in each other on the court.\nBy seeing each other off the court every day and on the court in practice, the tandem has not only gotten stronger in the friendship department, but also in the tennis department.\n"Being friends off the court makes playing doubles together a lot easier," Hydinger said. "When you like somebody and respect someone, you want to play for them and they want to play for you. And that makes for a real strong team."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
