Irish hope to cruise past Hoosiers in Indiana rivalry
by RACHEL BIBER
Sports Writer
Looking to avenge last year's loss against Indiana, the 33rd-ranked Irish men's tennis team takes on the 27th-ranked Hoosiers today at the Eck Tennis Pavilion.
After cruising past 18th-ranked Minnesota and unranked Wisconsin in their first two matches of the season, Notre Dame seeks to keep its 2001 dual-match record spotless.
"I don't think there is any chance of a letdown," head coach Bob Bayliss said. "I expect everyone to come out firing on all cylinders. We lost to Indiana 4-3 last year, it was a disappointing loss, and I think everyone remembers that."
The Irish will be put to the test against the Hoosiers, a team that returns all but one starter. One weapon included in the Indiana lineup is Milan Rakvica, a native from the Czech Republic, who stands at No. 13 in the Midwest region rankings, right behind Irish junior Javier Taborga who is listed at No. 11.
While the Hoosiers only suffered the loss of one starter, the Irish are in a similar situation, only having to fill two spots left by departing seniors Ryan Sachire and Trent Miller. With comparable squads from the 2000 season set to face off, the match-up between the Irish and the Hoosiers is sure to be a battle.
"I think the relative strengths of the two teams are somewhat similar to what they were last year, so we'll be expecting a very tough match," Bayliss said. "It's certainly winnable, but we'll have our hands full."
Although the Irish have experienced striking success in their first two matches, Bayliss is still trying to find the best fit for the lineup. With seven qualified starters, the team is not short of options. Ninety-fifth ranked Casey Smith has filled the top spot for the Irish in their first two wins, followed by Taborga in the second singles position. Rounding out the Notre Dame singles lineup has been Luis Haddock-Morales, Aaron Talarico, Brian Farrell, and Matt Scott.
"We still have at this point seven players that I consider all starters," Bayliss said. "Andrew Laflin, Farrell, and Matt Scott are all capable of winning at the last two [singles] positions. But obviously, six of those seven people will play."
The Irish doubles pairings that will be set to take on the Hoosiers is less of an uncertainty. Bayliss will send the 38th-ranked duo of Taborga and Talarico to fill the top spot.
Smith and Haddock-Morales will take on the duties in the No. 2 doubles match, while the Irish representatives in the third doubles match will be the duo of James Malhame and Scott or Andrew Laflin and Farrell.
The Hoosiers open up their spring campaign against Notre Dame for the second consecutive year, and look to record the same results. However, if history remains on the side of the Irish, who hold a 35-19 series lead over Indiana, the outcome looks to favor the home team.
Notre Dame starts a crucial two-match stretch against the Hoosiers, and hopes to record a win before heading to face a tough Ohio State team over the weekend.
"We got a real tough week right here," head coach Bob Bayliss said. "And then we have to turn around and leave the very next day right after class to go to Columbus, Ohio, to play an Ohio State team that has a chance to win the Big Ten."
All Sports Stories for Thursday, January 25, 2001
