Confidence will be to their advantage as the Irish come into today's match against the Michigan Wolverines ready to build on their five match winning streak.

Michigan beat Notre Dame 5-2 in their meeting last season, and holds the all-time advantage 39-20. The Wolverines come to South Bend after losing five in a row, most recently to Clemson.

"They're a good team, and it was a tough match last year, but we're pumped this year,' said junior Andrew Laflin. "Being at home we definitely have the advantage. We're used to our own court."

The Irish, returning from LaJolla, Calif., will have to again play indoors.

"We've been practicing hard, and we had a good trip to California, but coming back indoors is a switch," said Laflin.

In their last match against Purdue, the Irish lost all three doubles matches, but won four out of six singles to take the win. Junior Javier Toborga won in No. 2 singles, and will be key in singles competion against Michigan. Sophomore Brian Farrell, Matt Daly and Matthew Scott were also pivotal players against Purdue in singles competition.

Also key for the Irish will be 14-th ranked doubles team Taborga and Aaron Talarico. Michigan's Henry Beam, who will face Casey Smith, is ranked 78th in singles competition the most recent Intercollegiate Tennis Association rankings. Beam and teammate Anthony Jackson each have 16 wins each this season, and Beam is trying to break the 20-win plateau.

"Beam has definitely improved a lot, but when it comes down to it he can be a bit awkward," said Laflin.

Notre Dame has won 10 of the last 12 matches against Michigan, and the teams should be closely matched. Michigan is ranked 35th, while Notre Dame is ranked 26th.

"We're all psyched up, and we're ready," said Laflin. "Michigan's gonna be a continuation of our winning streak."

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