Hoosiers head north to take on Golden Gophers

Four days after a heartbreaking loss to No. 39 Louisville, the No. 38 IU men’s tennis team returns to the courts today to begin Big Ten play. \n“Coach (Randy Bloemendaal) has been telling us to keep our heads up after a loss like that,” junior Peter Antons said.\nThe Hoosiers will head to Minneapolis on Saturday to face a talented Minnesota squad, once ranked in the top 25 this season. The Golden Gophers, though, have struggled recently, stumbling to a 2-11 record.\nIU has hit a rough patch as well, dropping its last two matches to ranked opponents. With an early 4-3 loss to Iowa, the Hoosiers enter the bulk of Big Ten play with an 0-1 record. \n“The thing about the Big Ten is that it is always going to be a tough match,” senior Dara McLoughlin said. “There is a real rivalry with these teams, and you can’t take any team for granted.”\nDespite dropping the match with Louisville, there were a few bright spots for the Hoosiers. One of those bright spots was senior Thomas Richter’s straight-set victory over No. 41 Austen Childs. For Richter, the singles victory was his 10th of the season.\n“Overall, Richter played a great match,” Bloemendaal said. “It was really good for him to get that win.”\nThe Hoosiers also won the doubles match against Louisville, something they have become accustomed to this season. IU has won the point in 12 of 14 matches. The early 1-0 lead has been very beneficial for the squad. Three of IU’s wins this season have been 4-3 decisions. \n“The difference between wins and losses in this conference is like splitting hairs,” Bloemendaal said. “The Big Ten is stronger than ever this year.”\nIf IU hopes to continue its success this season, getting ahead early will be crucial. A large part of that means earning the doubles point and taking advantage of its opportunities.\n“Right now I see us somewhere in the middle of the pack (in the Big Ten),” Bloemendaal said. “We’re trying to make that jump to the next level.”\nFollowing their match against Minnesota, the Hoosiers will travel to East Lansing to play No. 73 Michigan State on March 29.