Continuing its tough schedule of ranked opponents, the men's tennis team fell to then-No. 64 University of Wisconsin 4-3 in South Bend Sunday.
The Badgers were the fourth team the 75th-ranked Cardinals have lost to that is ranked higher than them.
The Cardinals (2-5) have already fallen to then-No. 46 Indiana, then-No. 46 Northwestern and then-No. 6 Illinois.
"It was a great college tennis match," head coach Bill Richards said. "Our schedule is always very challenging, that never changes. In the end, I think it will help us out in the long run."
In the midst of a 13-game road streak, the Badgers jumped on the Cardinals early as they took the doubles point with victories in all three doubles matches.
But the Cardinals did not give up as they mounted a serious charge in singles play and nearly pulled off the upset. Seniors Jason Pressel fell at No. 1 singles, but it was the play of junior Chris Varga and freshmen Brad Rhodes and Matt Laramore that the Cardinals rallied behind as the three won their respective singles matches for the Cards' only points.
"Our young guys played really well," Richards said. "And Mr. Consistent Chris Varga continued to play good tennis ... he doesn't lose too often."
The match stood tied at three until Wisconsin's Scott Green came from behind to defeat freshman Michael Heule at No. 6 in a tiebreaker in the third set to secure the Badger's victory. Heule was ahead 5-4 in the tiebreak, but a couple plays leaning in favor of Wisconsin gave the Badgers the victory.
"I talked to Tim Buckley," Richards said. "I told him it was just like someone hitting a buzzer-beater.
"We have to put this behind us and focus on the next one," Richards said. "So far it has been one of those years we haven't been able to catch a break. Eventually, we'll have to put it together and play good tennis."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
