Youth looking to lead team in match against Cardinals

IU men's tennis (2-1) could use a victory after a disappointing loss at Louisville. The Hoosiers welcome Ball State (2-1) to the Tennis Center at 3 p.m. Tuesday. Ball St. also lost its last match, falling to No. 6 Illinois. IU holds a remarkable 34-7 all-time record versus in-state rivals. \nThe Hoosiers next four matches will be at home. The home matches are an opportunity to acquire some momentum before conference play begins Feb. 23. \n"It's real important. We shouldn't lose matches at home," senior Rahman Smiley said. "Away matches are tougher to win."\nSmiley and senior Milan Rakvica are leading the Hoosiers this season. Smiley is undefeated in both spring singles and doubles matches. He boasts a 9-5 overall singles record and a 7-1 doubles mark this year. Rakvica is 8-5 in overall singles and 6-1 in doubles.\nIn addition to the seniors, IU has received production from its younger players. Freshman Ryan Recht has an impressive 10-2 overall mark this season, including 3-0 in spring doubles. \n"We'll especially see how the young players will do Tuesday," assistant coach Ondrej Holik said. "Experience is critical, and the only way they'll gain experience is to play. They've done a really good job." \nFreshman Jakub Praibis, a recent addition to the team, is a combined 4-1 in spring singles and doubles. \n"Jakub has been great," Holik said. "He has improved a lot and he works hard. When he can play at No. 2 or No. 3 singles, that's really nice."\nIn addition, freshmen Reid Strand and Jon Magnes have been solid. Strand is undefeated in spring doubles, while Magnes is 7-2 in overall singles this year. \nRecht feels confident and ready for the Cardinals.\n"My serve is the best part of my game right now," Recht said. "I've been pretty good at volleys as well. They are a tough squad this year and the crowd will be cheering." \nSmiley agrees with his teammate. \n"They are always loud and aggressive. I think we have to win the doubles point in order to win the match," Smiley said. \n"We haven't won the doubles point against them in a long time."\nThe IU netters defeated the Cardinals last season in Muncie 6-1. \nBall State is led by seniors Jason Pressel and Andrew Seni. Pressel plays No.1 singles and No. 1 doubles, while Seni plays No. 2 singles for the Cardinals. Ball State's coach, Bill Richards, is in his 30th season at the helm. He is the winningest coach in school and Mid-American Conference history.\nIU's immediate objective is to defeat Ball St., but their ultimate goal is much bigger. \n "Big Ten matches are extremely important," Holik said. "Our goal is to win Big Ten matches and Big Ten Championships, but Ball State is first." \n Recht summed up today's showdown. \n"Coach (Hydinger) says this will make Ball State's season if they can win against IU"