Hoosiers look to even things up with Badgers

After a non-conference season which concluded with a 6-6 record, including losing four matches by the score 4-3, the No. 72 Hoosiers (6-7, 0-1) resume Big Ten play against Wisconsin (5-6, 0-1) tomorrow at noon at the IU Tennis Center or the IU Outdoor Tennis courts depending on the weather.\nThough the team feels it has competed well, there is a feeling of disappointment about the non-conference season, mainly because of the missed opportunities to pick up big victories. Of the seven matches, IU has lost this season, five have been the 4-3 score variety, including a loss to current No. 14 Virginia Feb. 29.\nThough the Badgers are currently unranked, it doesn't mean the Hoosiers will overlook them as they boast the No. 32 doubles team, IU coach Ken Hydinger said. \n"We've had battles with them in the past, and every Big Ten match is a battle," Hydinger said. "Their doubles are always good and they're going to be scrappy."\nHaving the team healthy for the first time since the beginning of the season is a factor the Hoosiers hope will aid them in pulling out the close matches, and get them over the hump.\nPicking up a victory against Wisconsin would be significant, because it can even IU's record out in both overall play and Big Ten, as six of its next nine opponents are currently ranked, including No.1 Illinois.\nThe importance of the Big Ten season is sensed by all, said junior Ryan McCarthy, a transfer student from Furman University. \n"I kind of now realize how important each Big Ten match is, with the rivalry and the atmosphere involved," McCarthy said. "You always want to win, but it is more enjoyable to beat a conference foe."\nGetting a victory against the Badgers is key as the Hoosiers have struggled to a 4-16 record in conference play the last two years.\nA victory against Wisconsin could get things going for the Hoosiers and help lead to a possible NCAA berth, junior Tom Bagnato said.\n"It seems that every time we had a win early in the season, that we would follow it up with a loss," Bagnato said. "Hopefully we can get rolling to a good start to the Big Ten season, and get a couple of wins in a row."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.