'M' women's tennis heads to Florida in search of upset

Things look like they're starting to come together for the Michigan women's tennis team.

After moments of streaky play and close losses, it looks like things are back on track for the Wolverines.

Coming off back-to-back losses to lowly Purdue and a tough Notre Dame team, the Wolverines faced a potential sweep by the state of Indiana last weekend when they faced the Hoosiers.

As Indiana swept the doubles play, No. 42 Michigan fought back in the singles, and this time won a close match, 4-3, against the Hoosiers. The Wolverines then rolled past Ohio State to improve their Big Ten record to 3-1.

"I think the weekend helped build confidence, especially in doubles," Michigan coach Bitsy Ritt said. "When you play good teams, it often comes down to who can win two out of the three doubles matches." Michigan has battled back to a 7-6 record on the year, after the loss to Notre Dame dropped them below .500 for the first time this season.

The Wolverines travel to southern Florida this weekend for matches against Miami and South Florida.

While the weather may get nicer for the Wolverines' weekend matches, the competition certainly will not.

On Friday, the Wolverines face Miami and get another chance at pulling off their first upset of the year against the 27th-ranked Hurricanes.

Last year in the intense Florida heat, Michigan beat the 'Canes 6-3. Miami's strength is at the top of its lineup, featuring No. 59 Lioudmila Skavronskaia and No. 67 Elisabeth Habeler.

The Wolverines will then get a day of rest before they square off against No. 37 South Florida on Sunday.

Michigan is looking to improve on last year's poor showing against the Bulls, a match they lost 6-3. South Florida is also strong at the top, boasting No. 60 Alicia Kerystyn.

The Wolverines did not do as well of a job adjusting to the wind in that match, something they hope to avoid this year.

"We have to be ready mentally to adjust to the elements," Ritt said.

Michigan has not been able to find the keys to pulling off an upset this season. In four chances against higher-ranked opponents, Michigan has compiled a 0-4 record. This weekend offers the Wolverines two chances to capture that elusive first upset of the year.

04-02-98