Big Trouble

Men netters finish fourth, women second at Big Tens

It was as predictable as a "Home Alone" sequel.

The Big Ten Men's Tennis Tournament in Champaign this past weekend provided no shocks or surprises - and left the Wolverines empty handed.

Michigan, the fourth seed, also finished fourth - behind Illinois, which remained undefeated in the Big Ten

Friday, the Wolverines took on Wisconsin and came up with a 4-3 victory. After Wisconsin won the doubles point, Michigan took four singles wins and left it up to John Long for the victory, who didn't disappoint.

But that would be Michigan's only victory. Top-seeded Illinois clobbered the Wolverines, 4-0, on Saturday.

Michigan took on Purdue next with a chance at third. Michigan had lost to Purdue, 4-3, on April 26, and looked for revenge. The Wolverines wouldn't find it.

First, Michigan lost the doubles point for the fifth-straight match. Second, just like in Friday's Wisconsin match, the match depended on Long. This time he wasn't able to pull it out. Long, who was cheering in the middle of his match for teammate Brook Blain at No. 5 singles, lost concentration. Blain won, but Long fell short.

"Long was trying to be half player, half cheerleader," Michigan men's tennis coach Brian Eisner said. "His concentration was tested because he was so concerned about Brook winning."

Purdue and Michigan, the fourth and fifth seeds, will face each other in the first round of the NCAA Regionals.

05-05-98