Men battle for conference supremacy

If there ever is a chance for Michigan to put some doubts about its Big Ten dominance to rest this weekend could be the perfect opportunity.

The Wolverines (2-0 Big Ten, 7-3 overall) will try to stay undefeated at the new Varsity Tennis Center when they host two Big Ten matchups - Saturday against Iowa and then finishing with a battle against Minnesota on Sunday.

Right now, Big Ten teams reside at the very top or rock bottom of the standings. The Wolverines, Hawkeyes and Gophers are all resting near the top of the standings, but that will change dramatically after this weekend.

The only question left to answer is: Which team will fall?

Iowa (3-0, 7-4) has lost three straight to the Wolverines, but the Hawkeyes have a rejuvenated lineup with three freshman and two transfers. At the beginning of the year, Iowa coach Steve Houghton called this season's recruiting class one of Iowa's best ever.

He may be correct. Iowa newcomers have compiled a 32-13 record in dual singles play so far this season.

The team that rested at the bottom of the Big Ten last season has improved tremendously, which is shown through Iowa's huge victory over Minnesota and two straight clobberings of Ohio State and Penn State.

"In the past, Iowa was regarded as a weaker team in the conference, but their singles have been strong and they beat Minnesota," Michigan assistant coach Dan Goldberg said.

But Michigan has the opportunity to capitalize on Iowa's weakness - its doubles teams. Iowa lost the doubles point in all three of its Big Ten matchups, and with the strong consistent play of the Michigan duos, the Wolverines could easily force Iowa to have to win four singles matches to beat them.

A victim of the Hawkeyes earlier this season, the Gophers (2-1, 7-7) come in on Sunday to face the Wolverines.

Minnesota has entered into a role as a team that starts its season slow and finishes strong. Last season Minnesota played poorly at the start, losing to the Wolverines and even to last-place Ohio State. But the Gophers finished strong, however, and got their revenge by defeating Michigan in the Big Ten championships.

"Minnesota is a dangerous team," Goldberg said. "They have a lot of big singles players and are always unpredictable."

The Gophers have shut out two of their last three opponents thanks to excellent play from their top two singles players - junior Tom Chicoine and sophomore Martin Michalowski.

Chicoine has a 55-30 record the past two years and Michalowski advanced to the quarterfinals of the Big Ten singles championships.

"The key is to play solidly throughout, leave no openings for them to take advantage," Goldberg said.

Another important aspect of this weekend is the ongoing return of senior captain Brook Blain to the singles lineup.

Blain took some time off at the beginning of March to concentrate on academics, but finally returned to the lineup last Sunday, beating Indiana's Ian Arons, 6-4, 7-6 at No. 5 singles.

"He played well for not playing in a few weeks," Goldberg said.

Blain is scheduled to play No. 5 singles again this weekend.

04-02-98