First Big Ten win evens record

On a day where the weather was indicative of how the team played, IU (7-7, 1-1) got out from behind the clouds after doubles play and outshined Wisconsin (5-7, 0-2) Saturday, 5-2, to pick up its first victory of the Big Ten season.\nComing into the match, the Hoosiers were looking to even their record and pick up a much-needed victory before they hit the road to face Ohio State and Penn State next weekend.\nThough the team fell behind early in the match, losing the doubles point and falling behind 1-0, the team remained confident going into the singles matches, IU coach Ken Hydinger said.\n"I think they are confident in themselves," Hydinger said of his team members. "These guys expect to perform well."\nAlong with the addition of the homecourt advantage, the Hoosiers used the health advantage, as, for the first time since the beginning of the season, IU had its full compliment of players on the court.\nLed by No. 73 junior Jakub Praibis (11-3, 1-1), who won at No. 1, 7-6 (3) 6-2, and sophomore Neil Kenner (11-10, 1-1,) who prevailed at No. 3, 6-3, 6-3, the Hoosiers won five of the six singles matches.\nFor Kenner, picking up the win against Wisconsin's David Hippee was pleasant because of their earlier match in the fall season, Kenner said.\n"I told coach (Hydinger) that I hope they make the switch (Hippee to No. 3 singles)," Kenner said. "I have been playing a lot better now that we're outside, which is my kind of game."\nBy having a full roster to work with for the first time in two months, IU gave everyone an opportunity to participate in the victory.\nAmong those who shined on the court was freshman David Bubenicek (5-5, 1-0), who, after not playing in over two months due to injury, picked up his second victory of the spring season with a dominating performance against Ward Bortz, 6-3, 6-1. This was Bubenicek's first match back since Jan. 24, when the Hoosiers battled Middle Tennessee State.\nBeing able to pick up the victory and play for the first time in a while was great, Bubenicek said.\n"I was feeling pretty good and concentrating well," Bubenicek said. "I played a smart game and worked very well against the guy."\nGetting the victory is one the Hoosiers feel will be beneficial throughout the remainder of the season because they remained focused and pulled out the victory after falling behind early.\nIU will get an opportunity to test that confidence when it travels to Columbus, Ohio, to battle the No. 18 Ohio State Buckeyes (13-2, 3-0) Saturday.\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.