While the rest of campus was getting tan during spring break, the Michigan men's tennis team stayed down south too long and ended up getting burned.
The Wolverines played three dual matches over the break and lost all of them.
The first defeat came at the hands of Virginia Commonwealth, where Michigan managed to win only one of six singles matches. The bright spot of the match was when freshman Brad MacFarlane and Mike Pusztai teamed up for the first time ever and won the only doubles match for Michigan.
Michigan's next stop was Tempe, Ariz., where the Wolverines won two singles matches, but still got smoked by Arizona State.
The last stop for the Wolverines was a tough one. Continuing to improve slowly, Michigan came within a point of defeating Arizona, as it lost 4-3. Freshman Matt Wright lost a tight three-set match that was decided by two tie-breakers.
And to add just a little more drama to the Wolverines' spring break from hell, Brook Blain didn't make the trip because of a problem with a disc in his back. Blain was undefeated in singles and doubles in the regular season and posted a 14-6 record overall. The extent of the injury was not clear, but Blain is currently seeking a medical red-shirt.
Michigan must now prepare for the Blue-Gray Classic in Montgomery, Ala.
Even with the disappointing trip, there are a few things the Wolverines can take comfort in as they get ready for the 20-team competition.
Sophomore William Farah had a strong trip, winning all three of his singles matches. Farah also teamed up with David Paradzik to take two of their three doubles matches.
Paradzik, with his one singles win while playing in the No. 1 slot, tied with Farah for the team lead with 15 victories. And despite the rough time the Wolverines have been having, they are still ranked No. 30.
Awaiting Michigan in Alabama is a tough field that could bring back some bad memories. If the Wolverines beat No. 33 Alabama in their first-round match up, they will face Middle Tennessee State. Michigan faced the No. 11 Blue Raiders earlier in the season in the O'Charley's Tennis Classic and were handed a difficult loss to the eventual champions of the tournament.
Nevertheless, Michigan should fare better this weekend. Before its tour of the south during spring break, the Wolverines had not competed in a month. The effects of the lay off were evident against Virginia Commonwealth, but Michigan's steady improvement showed that it could be back in the swing of things.
JOSH BIGGS/Daily
The Michigan men's tennis team is off to Alabama after disappointing weekend.