IU outlasts two ranked opponents

Coming into the weekend's matches, the Hoosiers were hoping to come away with two victories going into their final homestand next weekend. IU did just that by beating No. 55 Michigan State 6-1 Friday and outlasting No. 50 Michigan 4-3, in the process getting its 10th victory of the season.\nThe team's health, which had been an earlier issue when freshman David Bubenicek was out at the beginning of the season, reared its ugly head as No. 1 singles player, junior Jakub Praibis, and sophomore John Stone were limited in playing time. Injuries didn't stop either as both earned victories against Michigan State and Michigan in doubles.\nHaving to deal with the injuries could have been an easy escape for the team, but the Hoosiers played with determination and heart, IU coach Ken Hydinger said.\n"This could have been an easy weekend for somebody to take an excuse and say 'It's not my day' or 'It's not meant to be,'" Hydinger said. "This is the type of weekend that makes or breaks a season."\nAfter knocking off Michigan State the previous day, the Hoosiers (10-8, 4-2) were looking to beat the top-50 Michigan Wolverines (11-6, 2-4).\nThings started off well for IU as for the sixth time in Big Ten play, the team claimed the doubles point and secured the 1-0 lead going into singles.\nThe team was dealt a blow when Praibis, the No. 60 player and No. 1 singles player, couldn't participate in singles. This caused everyone to move up one spot in the lineup, but this didn't hinder the team's performance.\nMoving into the No.1 slot was junior Ryan Recht (13-10, 2-3), who in the process upset No. 55 Michael Rubin 7-6 (2) and 4-1, before Rubin retired to end the match. This was Recht's second victory over a ranked opponent this season, as he previously beat No. 98 Stephen Rozek of Virginia.\nGetting the victory was nice considering the circumstances the team faced and the opportunity to play at No.1, Recht said. \n"When I was playing at No.1 today, I knew it was a great chance for me to play a great opponent, and knowing if I played my game and play the way I needed to, I could come away with a victory," Recht said. "It is nice knowing that I ended up doing that and getting the outcome I wanted."\nIn addition to Recht, junior Ryan McCarthy and Bubenicek picked up victories in singles to give IU the lead at 4-0 and ensure the win. Michigan won the last three matches to give the final 4-3 margin. The Hoosiers ended a streak of 5 losses when involved in 4-3 matches.\nFriday the Hoosiers came out focused and were looking to get over the .500 mark in Big Ten play. IU did just that by winning 6-1 over No. 55 Michigan State (14-10, 1-5).\nThe Hoosiers got the match started on a positive note by winning all three matches to gain the doubles point. Singles play went over just as well, as the Hoosiers were able to win five of the six matches.\nHydinger tipped his hat to Dr. Dale Dellacqua and trainer Wendy Poppy, who were a big part of the victory because of injuries the team faced coming into the weekend, he said.\nThe team's confidence is up after sweeping the weekend series and extending its winning streak to three games, McCarthy said. \n"It's a confidence booster, especially after some heartbreaking losses at the beginning of the year," McCarthy (12-12, 3-1) said. "I think we are very confident going into the two matches against Iowa and Minnesota, and capable of taking down Minnesota."\nIU will get the opportunity to knock off another ranked opponent when it matches up with No. 31 Minnesota (11-7, 6-1), at noon Saturday at the IU Varsity Courts.\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.