THIS WEEK
The No. 45 ranked University of Iowa women’s tennis team will travel to West Lafayette, Indiana, on Thursday to kick off the Big Ten Championships. The Hawkeyes will face No. 68 Indiana on Thursday (6 p.m. ET) at the Schwartz Tennis Center.
ON #45 IOWA
The Hawkeyes are 12-9 overall and 7-4 in conference after splitting last weekend at Northwestern and Illinois. On Saturday, Iowa lost 4-0 to the Wildcats. No. 74 Northwestern took the doubles point and won three singles matches. Iowa came back and finished the weekend strong on Sunday with a 4-1 upset win over No. 31 Illinois. After securing the doubles point, Iowa gained three more singles wins. Mannix defeated No. 81 Ashley Yeah (6-2, 4-6, 6-3). Hayashida was victorious against Josie Frazier (6-2, 6-0). Mehra posted another straight set victory over Kida Ferrari (6-3, 6-2).
FINISHING STRONG AT HOME
Iowa finished its home schedule 7-2 at home this season, winning five of its final six home matches at the Hawkeye Tennis & Recreation Complex.
BRINGING IN DOMINANT WINS
Iowa’s win over No. 31 Illinois is believed to be its best win over a ranked opponent since a 4-3 win over No. 24 DePaul on March 7, 2010.
LAST YEAR AT BIG TEN’S
Iowa hosted the Big Ten Championships last year. The Hawkeyes won their opening round match against Michigan State (4-3) and was edged by No. 48 Illinois (4-3) in the next round.
PLAYING TOP COMPETITION
Eleven of Iowa’s last 14 matches have come against ranked opponents. The Hawkeyes have won six matches against ranked foes this season.
SCOUTING #68 INDIANA
• Indiana finished its regular season play with a 14-10 record and 4-7 league record, earning the 11th-seed.
• The Hoosiers faced six ranked opponents this year, with their lone ranked victory coming over the Hawkeyes (4-2 in Iowa City).
• Indiana leads the all-time series with Iowa, 37-14.
• Lara Schneider (12) and Mila Mejic (11) led the team in singles wins.
• The doubles duo of Saby Nihalani/Lara Schneider have recorded 10 wins to lead the Hoosiers doubles lineup.