Thursday, 04/23/2009

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Indiana advanced through the first day of the Big Ten Tournament with a 4-1 win over Michigan State. Leading the way for the Hoosiers were sophomore Lachlan Ferguson and freshman Jeremy Langer. Both scored singles and doubles victories for IU. The win moves the Hoosiers on to face the Golden Gophers of Minnesota on Friday, April 24 at 2 p.m. ET.

Ferguson and freshman Stephen Vogl took their doubles match quickly, winning 8-0 at number two doubles. Langer and sophomore Santiago Gruter were right behind, winning 8-3 to score the doubles point in Indiana’s favor.

Ferguson kept up the good work by winning 6-3, 6-2 over Alex Forger at number one singles. The sophomore has now won five straight matches over Big Ten opponents at number one singles. Langer followed that with a 6-3, 6-1 win of his own over Scott Rasmussen.

Needing just one more win to advance in the tournament, the Hoosiers were in good shape with first set victories in every three of the other four matches. Michigan State scored next though, taking the number four singles match with a 6-3, 6-2 Ronnie Hulewicz win.

Freshman Will Kendall finished it off by defeating Austin Brooks in straight sets at number five. His 6-4, 7-5 win is his 27th singles victory of the season.

The Hoosiers will take on Minnesota on Friday looking to avenge an April 3 loss in Minneapolis. For complete coverage of IU men’s tennis stay tuned to IUHoosiers.com.