Young team ready to take on Michigan

The No. 23 men's tennis team heads into this weekend with an 11-4 overall record and a 3-1 record in the Big Ten. Although the Hoosiers are competing for the Big Ten title, the team is actually one of the youngest in the Big Ten. The Hoosiers currently have two freshmen, four sophomores and only two seniors in Zach Held and Petr Novotny.\nInterim coach Matt Pledger said he believes that, although the team is young, his seniors have really stepped up to the occasion. Pledger praised the development of Held into a position as a team leader.\n"Zach has offered a lot of advice to the young players," Pledger said. "He has been a great example of how you have to work day in and day out. It has been really nice working with him." \nHeld's doubles teammate, sophomore Ryan Recht, said the senior has helped him make the transition from high school to college tennis. \n"By being around him all the time since we play doubles together, I really notice his maturity on the court," Recht said. "He doesn't ever lose it on the court and he has really helped me adjust to playing college tennis."\nNovotny, on the other hand, is one of the most inexperienced seniors in the country as this is his first year of collegiate tennis. Pledger said he has been impressed with the way his first year senior has played.\n"Petr has showed a lot of maturity for a first year player and has battled out of tough situations very well for a first year player," he said.\nNovotny said he tries to be a good example for his teammates, even though some of the underclassmen have more experience. \n"This being my first year, I have really just tried to show a good example and fight during all of my matches," he said. \nThe two seniors will be back in action this weekend. IU travels to Michigan to take on the Wolverines Saturday and the Michigan State Spartans Sunday.