Indiana men’s tennis struggles in singles against No. 24 Northwestern, fall to 1-1 in Big Ten

Indiana males’s tennis welcomed No. 24 Northwestern to Bloomington on Friday night. In a match that started exterior — earlier than being moved inside on account of rain — the Wildcats took down the Hoosiers 5-1. 

Doubles play started outside, the primary time this 12 months the Hoosiers have performed exterior at residence. 

It was a fiercely aggressive doubles level, with Indiana successful at No. 1 and Northwestern successful at No. 3. 

“(Fletchall and Tiraspolsky) got here out firing on all cylinders, it was superior to see,” head coach Jeremy Wurtzman mentioned postgame. “I’m pleased with these guys.” 

The battle at No. 2 was tight and was determined in a tiebreaker, with freshmen Sam Landau and Luc Boulier pulling out the win for the Hoosiers. 

“I used to be simply attempting to maintain them relaxed, hold them smiling,” Wurtzman mentioned in his message to Landau and Boulier in the course of the match. 

With the doubles level in hand for the Hoosiers, singles play was moved indoors on account of rain in Bloomington. 

The Wildcats flipped the script in singles play, successful 5 consecutive matches and incomes a 5-1 win over the Hoosiers. With the outcome already decided, play was suspended earlier than the match at No. 3 might end. 

“We knew it was going to be a tricky match,” Wurtzman mentioned. “(Northwestern has) plenty of expertise up and down their lineup.” 

With the loss, Indiana falls to 1-1 in Massive Ten play and 11-7 general this season. The Hoosiers proceed to wrestle towards premium opposition, now 0-7 towards ranked opponents. 

The Hoosiers are again in motion Sunday with a house double header. No. 22 Illinois and Saint Louis College will go to the IU Tennis Middle, with play starting at midday. 

“Illinois is extraordinarily good, we’re going to should play nicely to match their stage,” Wurtzman mentioned. “It’s going to be plenty of tennis, however hopefully the fellows will likely be prepared.” 

Observe reporter Zach Browning (@ZachBrowning17) for updates all through the Indiana males’s tennis season.