Senior boosts moral with fast return

The IU women's tennis team has been missing something lately. It isn't determination or hard work. The team is missing something more tangible. When senior Karie Schlukebir returned last Saturday against Michigan State, it was evident what the team had been lacking leadership.\nEarly in her collegiate career, Schlukebir was diagnosed with melanoma, a type of skin cancer. It forced her to miss most of her freshman and sophomore seasons, but could not keep her away from tennis indefinitely. \nSchlukebir's matches against Michigan State marked the first time she competed since the team met Northwestern on Feb. 16. \nHer presence was felt immediately as the Hoosiers snapped a four-match losing skid against Michigan State. Schlukebir, having spent significant time away from tennis, showed no rust as she won both her singles and doubles matches. \n"Karie obviously gave the team a big lift," coach Lin Loring said. "When we can put her in the doubles lineup, we are just that much stronger. I'm not sure we would have won the doubles matches against Michigan State or Michigan without her. It's remarkable the way she's playing, considering she had lung surgery just two weeks ago." \nWhile the team and coaches would like to have her back on a regular basis, Schlukebir said she has felt little pressure from the coaches to make a premature comeback.\n"The great thing is that the coaches aren't all about tennis," Schlukebir said. "They are concerned about me and about how I am feeling rather than when I will be able to play again."\nSchlukebir will compete in the rest of the regular season matches this year but will miss the Big Ten tournament so she can receive additional treatment. \nRegardless of how long Schlukebir can play, junior Linda Tran said she is happy just to have her back. Schlukebir and Tran are doubles partners and have won both doubles matches since Schlukebir's return. Schlukebir is tied for eighth, and Tran is seventh on IU's all-time doubles victories list. Tran said since Schlukebir's return she has been much more comfortable on the court. \n"If feels great to have her back," Tran said. "I know where she's hitting and we understand each other. I feel that there's no weakness between us."\nWith both Schlukebir and Tran together again, they can continue to ascend to the top of the Hoosiers' all-time doubles victory list. \nSchlukebir and the Hoosiers' next match is on Saturday in Illinois against the Fighting Illini.