IU serves against rival Kentucky

After taking a hiatus from the non-conference schedule to take on Big Ten foe Northwestern, the Hoosiers resume non-Big Ten play searching for a victory against border rival No. 15 Kentucky at 2 p.m. today in Lexington. \nThis will be the start of a three-match road trip for IU, which will continue down in Tampa, Fla., during spring break. The No. 64 Hoosiers (5-5) wrapped up their five-match homestand Friday against Northwestern and finished 2-3 after losing to three ranked opponents in the final match.\nThe Hoosiers won't get any favors from the Wildcats (6-4), though. Their record might be deceiving for a highly-ranked opponent, but they have played eight out of 10 matches against ranked opponents, winning four. Kentucky also has two players ranked in the top 100 in singles, including No. 15 Jesse Witten. \n"They are the most talented team that we have faced thus far," IU coach Ken Hydinger said. "Top to bottom, (Kentucky coach Dennis Emery) has some real talent."\nThough the ranking disparity looks to be a disadvantage, it is deceptive, as the Hoosiers boast the No. 31 doubles team in junior Ryan Recht and sophomore John Stone and the reigning Big Ten Player of Week junior Jakub Praibis, who is No. 59 in singles after being previously unranked.\nThis match will start the outdoor season for the Hoosiers, where, for the first time this season, they will have to deal with variables of wind and light.\n"Playing outdoors is a little different style. The courts will probably be slower than we are used to," sophomore Neil Kenner said. "I don't feel it is going to hurt us, though."\nBesides having the conditions to face, IU will look to get over its hurdle of not closing out matches.\nDespite losing their last three matches in the final match-up, the Hoosiers are remaining confident.\nThough it is tough to deal with the close losses, it is important for IU to stay persistent and be ready for the close match, Praibis said.\n"It is tough, but we have to keep trying," Praibis said. "We have to not be afraid of victory and take it as a usual game or match and not be afraid of the pressure in a close match."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.