Titan Series continues as Hoosiers look for first victory since 1995

Rivalry. That word in sports conjure up thoughts about the Bears-Packers, Celtics-Lakers or North Carolina-Duke matchups. It also reminds people of another fiery rivalry, IU-Purdue; universities within a stone's throw of one another. \nThe IU men's tennis team (6-8, 0-2) continues this rivalry with Purdue today at 1 p.m. at the Lafayette Sports Center. \nThe Hoosiers lost two matches this past weekend, including one to Iowa 5-2, while the Boilermakers (6-7, 1-1) defeated the Hawkeyes and Indiana State. Purdue won 4-3 against Iowa.\n"(Purdue) is a team that I respect," Coach Ken Hydinger said. "(Purdue coach) Tim Madden has done things the right way, and we have had some good, hard, really clean matches. But this is Purdue. It's Purdue. You don't have to say anything more," said Hydinger, who has a 116-90 career record in Big Ten play.\nIU has not defeated its archrival since 1995. They have lost the last six matches to Purdue, including the last three in West Lafayette. Last season, the Boilermakers beat the Hoosiers 5-2 in Bloomington. \nThe winner of this contest receives one point in the Titan Series between the two schools. IU leads the series 7-4 and there are 18 points total in the series. The Series is meant to enhance the rivalry between the archrivals. \nPlayers said they are eager to face off against adversary Purdue.\n"There's not extra motivation because we lost to them last year," senior Rahman Smiley said. "There's more motivation because it has been six or seven years since we've last beaten them. Purdue is a rival. That's all the motivation we need." \nSmiley figures to sit out because of a persistent back injury. He has not played in competition since Feb. 23 against Evansville. He said his back is getting better, and he has been hitting the ball better, but still has not been able to do some things.\nLeading the Hoosiers has been senior Milan Rakvica. He stands alone in sixth place on IU's career singles wins list with 87, one win shy of tying David Russell for fifth place.\nIn order for Rakvica to get into third place on the list, he would have to overtake Eion Collins, of whom Hydinger spoke very highly.\n"Collins was the hardest worker for us. He went on to play in two Olympics for Ireland, so for Milan it's great company to be in," Hydinger said. "It's really special."\nRakvica's career singles record is 87-49. This year, he is 14-9 in singles and 8-5 in the spring.\nWith Rakvica, fellow Czech, freshman Jakub Praibis, has been providing leadership on the court. Even though he has been bothered by a hip injury, he continues to be aggressive on the court. He lost his last two matches, after winning nine consecutive.\n"It has been a great start for Jakub. He has shown patience and has lots of confidence," Rakvica said. "We need him." \nPraibis is 11-3 in spring singles and 6-7 in doubles.\nAlso coming on as of late has been junior Zach Held. He won his first conference match of the season last Sunday against Iowa in straight sets.\nHydinger said Held's game is really coming together, and that he works hard, he thinks about the game, tries to improve and it is paying off. \nHeld also paired with freshman Ryan Recht to upset the No. 1 doubles team of Notre Dame 8-3 last Saturday. Recht is 13-10 in doubles this year.\n"I'm concentrating more on my backhand now, even though I won my last match," Recht said. "I struggled with my backhand."\nIU leads the all-time series versus Purdue 52-23-1. They will attempt to make it 53.\n"It would be more special to beat them at their place," Smiley said. "It would be that much more sweet"