Home a bonus for Wolverines in journey to Big Ten tourney

By Jeff Phillips

Daily Sports Writer

With the toughest portion of the Big Ten schedule behind them, the Michigan men's tennis team does not expect to lose another conference match - including the Big Ten Tournament.

"We have six more Big Ten matches, then three more in the tournament, so nine matches in a row is our goal," senior Matt Wright said.

The Wolverines will be helped in part by playing four of their remaining six Big Ten dual matches at the Varsity Tennis Center.

"We were on the road for awhile and it really does make a difference," coach Mark Mees said. "It is nice to have someone else adjust to the courts rather than us."

Currently Michigan is hampered by injuries to two senior leaders. Matt Wright, the No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles player, is slowed by a back injury suffered against Northwestern last Sunday.

"I came close to not playing (against Michigan State)," Wright said. "I am getting treatment on it and it is just a day-to-day thing."

Co-captain and No. 2 doubles player Brad McFarlane has missed the past five matches due to a strained calf muscle. Freshman Zach Held has performed well in his place, by compiling a 2-2 record with senior John Long.

On Wednesday the Wolverines started the homestand with a convincing 5-2 win over Michigan State, and will face No. 34 Indiana (3-2 Big Ten, 11-4 overall) and No. 39 Purdue (4-1, 8-7) this weekend.

"Both teams are very good and both are very experienced," Mees said. "They play good doubles and are solid No. 1 through No. 6."

Sophomore Ben Cox agrees.

"Both teams have a lot of talent," Cox said. "But Indiana is an up and down kind of team and Purdue is pretty young."

Like Michigan, Indiana and Purdue were soundly beaten by Illinois.

"I think that deep down some of us questioned whether we could beat (Illinois)," Wright said. "Even though the score was lopsided, we were in there the whole time."

After two blowout losses, the Michigan's confidence for the rest of the season is high.

"Our best match has yet to be played," Mees said. "We just want to play our best tennis at the end of the year."

The Wolverines will face Indiana on Saturday and Purdue on Sunday at the Varsity Tennis Center. Both matches begin at 1 p.m.

PETER CORNUE/Daily

Michigan sophomore Ben Cox came back to beat Michigan State's Goran Topalo, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 in Wednesday's 5-2 victory over the Spartans.

Varsity Tennis Center

This Weekend

Who: Michigan (2-2 Big Ten, 8-3 overall) vs. Indiana (3-2, 11-4) tomorrow, Michigan vs. Purdue (4-1, 9-8) Sunday

When: 1:00 p.m. tomorrow, 1:00 p.m. Sunday

Home Sweet Home?: While its pleased to be home, the Michigan men's tennis team will be tested over the next week and a half - four of their next five matches are against top 60 opponents.

Date Opponent Ranking

April 8 Indiana No. 34

April 9 Purdue No. 39

April 13 Notre Dame No. 27

April 16 Wisconsin No. 59