Hoosiers survive Kentucky Wildcats

Earlier this week, junior Peter Antons said the Kentucky match would be a great opportunity for the Hoosiers.\nTuesday, IU (5-1) seized the moment with a thrilling victory over the Wildcats, defeating its out-of-conference rival 4-3. \n“We really showed resiliency beating Kentucky after losing a tough match on Saturday against Iowa,” IU coach Randy Bloemendaal said. \nBloemendaal sat his three seniors down after the loss to Iowa and asked them to step up their play a notch against Kentucky. \n“We did a lot of teaching in the classroom this week,” Bloemendaal said. “A lot of it focused on how to handle pressure.”\nIU seniors Thomas Richter, Dara McLoughlin and Michael McCarthy heard Bloemendaal loud and clear. All three seniors made Bloemendaal proud, winning their singles matches, which ultimately proved to be the difference for the Hoosiers. \nMcLoughlin, playing in the No. 3 singles slot, defeated his opponent Marcus Sundh in straight sets, 7-6, 6-2. McCarthy, playing in the No. 6 slot, defeated his opponent in similar fashion, 6-2, 6-3. \n“I really think the attitude we adopted coming into the match was the difference for us,” McLoughlin said. “We were too relaxed at Iowa.”\nMcLoughlin attributed his team’s success not only to the mentality change, but also to greater focus, the right frame of mind and strong communication in doubles play.\nThe 86th-ranked Richter took on Kentucky’s Will Ward in an intense match that ultimately gave the Hoosiers the win. While all the other singles matches played to a decision, the match between Richter and Ward began to heat up.\nAfter two sets, the score remained tied. Ward had won the first set 6-2 and Richter countered by winning the next 6-3. \nEveryone inside the IU Tennis Center gathered around the first court to watch the final set between Richter and Ward. Ward was especially loud and animated, while Richter let his racket do the talking.\nRichter built himself a 4-1 lead before letting it slip away. All of a sudden, he found himself in a hole, down 5-4. \n“When he took the 5-4 lead, I really felt the pressure,” Richter said. “I knew I had to retain my focus.” \nRichter did just that, taking the game, the set 7-5, and, in turn, \nthe match. \n“You’ve got to be proud anytime you survive a match like that,” Bloemendaal said. \nWith the win, the Hoosiers improved to 5-1. They return to the courts Feb. 15 against Middle Tennessee State.