Healing Hoosiers face trio of matches

The IU men's tennis team's next three matches are against highly ranked teams, but IU welcomes the challenge. \nThe Hoosiers (6-4, 0-1 Big Ten) play a trio of matches over spring break. These matches are against Clemson, South Alabama and Kentucky. The Hoosiers play in Mobile, Ala., at the University of South Alabama Invitational versus the Tigers (7-4) Sunday and against the host Jaguars (7-5) Tuesday. \nThey play at Kentucky (8-3) Thursday. IU was defeated in Lexington, Ky., 6-0 last year but has yet to face Clemson or South Alabama. \nAll three matches are outdoors, the Hoosiers' first of the spring. They will be played against traditionally outdoor teams, which puts the Hoosiers at a disadvantage. Despite that, IU coach Ken Hydinger and the players are excited about the outdoor atmosphere. \n"We will have to adjust to the ball more," Hydinger said. "We will have to be more patient. It will make the players change their thought process."\nThe players are eager and optimistic to play outdoors. IU's first outdoor practice was Tuesday, when the weather was sunny but still brisk and windy. Freshman Jakub Praibis is excited for the opportunity but is cognizant of the problems presented by playing outside. \n"I have problems with serves and overhands outside," Praibis said. "The wind is the worst problem for me outdoors." \nPraibis, who is on a seven-match winning streak, has been as strong as anybody on the team, Hydinger said. Despite not feeling his best, Praibis won his last match against Northwestern. He is 9-1 in spring singles and 6-3 in doubles. He said he has tried to remain focused and play his best every time out. \nIn addition to Praibis, other freshmen have carried the load. Freshman Tom Bagnato has a four-match winning streak and a 6-1 spring singles record.\n"I have been more constant in my rallies," Bagnato said. "I'm just keeping points alive longer. Before, I wasn't doing that."\nBesides the youth exhibited on this team, the seniors have done their share of work. Senior Milan Rakvica has struggled recently, losing his last three singles matches. He still sits in seventh place on IU's all-time career wins list with 85 and has 65 career doubles victories as well. He is 6-4 in spring singles and 12-8 overall.\nMeanwhile, a re-occurring story as been injuries to key players. Senior Rahman Smiley suffers from a chronic back problem. He missed the last match against Northwestern, and it is unclear when he will return. Smiley, who is 3-3 in the spring and 10-8 overall, will most likely not see action in the next match. He said his back has good days and bad days. \nOther injuries this spring include a calf injury by junior Zach Held and knee and wrist problems suffered by Praibis. The team has been healing, and Smiley's back is the only significant injury. \nThe Hoosiers have a lull in the conference season, but Hydinger said it doesn't matter that there is a four-match break between IU's first conference match and its second. IU's next conference match isn't until March 24. \n"The schedule will make our team grow," Hydinger said. "I'm just happy to play challenging teams."\nThe three opponents present a daunting challenge, and IU's all-time records versus them show it. The Hoosiers possess a 3-1 all-time record versus Clemson, 0-2 against South Alabama and 4-19 against Kentucky. The Hoosiers will look to improve upon those marks and seek their seventh victory of the season. \n"We have to gut it out," Bagnato said. "It's going to be tough because they have played outdoors a lot"