The UW men's tennis team will once again have an opportunity for a huge upset in the Big Ten this weekend, as it takes on No. 7 Ohio State (7-0 Big Ten, 19-1 overall) this Sunday at Stickney Tennis Center in Columbus, Ohio.
The Badgers (3-6, 10-10) hope to play well this weekend to gain some momentum heading into the Big Ten Tournament starting next Thursday in Minneapolis.
This past Saturday, the Badgers came close to achieving one of the biggest upsets in school history, but eventually bowed out to No. 5 Illinois 4-3. Three sophomores were victorious for the Badgers, including Felipe Bellido, Elliot Bisnow and Nolan Polley. Polley upset then No. 64 G.D. Davis in straight sets for his second victory of the year over a nationally ranked opponent, and Bisnow captured his first Big Ten singles win of the year. The Badgers' other singles matches were all lost in three sets, including sophomore Jeremy Sonkin's near-upset of No. 3 Riley Deheart at the No. 1 slot.
The Badgers have been close all year, with a number of individual matches being decided in a third set and a number of close losses as a team. Their worst Big Ten loss of the season came against Michigan on March 25, a 6-1 loss. Head coach Greg Van Emburgh noted that the spots that have been winning have been scattered all year, and it is just a matter of putting together four or more points out of the seven to notch the victory.
The margin for error is so small, and this year in a couple of matches, it just hasn't gone our way,\ Van Emburgh said. ""You just have to keep being optimistic and keep saying ‘Listen, things are going to fall our way.'""
UW will take on an Ohio State team this weekend that has not lost a dual match since February 24, when they were taken down at No. 16 Notre Dame. The Buckeyes boast a very strong lineup, including three players ranked in the top 110 in the nation, and the nation's top-ranked doubles team of Scott Green and Ross Wilson.
""We just played a top-5 team, so we know what to expect,"" Bellido said. ""We've been really close, so you always have a chance and you just have to believe that you can win.""
In addition, Ohio State could be a potential second- round opponent in the Big Ten Tournament for UW, and playing well would give the Badgers much needed confidence were they to face them again.
Unfortunately, the Badgers will be a little shorthanded, with sophomore Brennen Phippen out for the second consecutive match with a hand injury. Phippen usually mans the No. 3 singles and No. 2 doubles positions, so the Badgers will need to make the necessary adjustments to play well and have a shot at a victory.
""Right now we have [Phippen] injured, so we need our guys to step up at the right time,"" Van Emburgh said. ""Obviously at the end of the year, you hope your guys are ready to do that.""
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