Down but not out -- but just barely.
With two crushing losses to Michigan and Michigan State last weekend, the season is on life support for the Penn State women's tennis team.
With four matches remaining, all against strong opponents, there is still time to make up ground on the field and move into contention for an NCAA bid. But a stand must be taken, and it must be taken this weekend.
The Nittany Lions (6-9, 1-5 Big Ten), travel to No. 36 Indiana (14-6, 3-3) and No. 51 Purdue (7-9, 3-3) tomorrow and Sunday morning respectively, for the definition of due or die matches.
"I wouldn't say our NCAA chances are shot, but it will be tough," Penn State head coach Buffy Baker said. "From here on out, every team we play, I think, will be in the tournament, so the opportunity is there."
For Baker and the Lions, the wins have been so close yet so far away.
"We lost matches this past week, 5-2 that we could have easily won 5-2," Baker said. "We're making mistakes that should have been corrected early in the season. The players feel these losses because they've been so close. The close one's always hurt the most."
The opportunity for redemption and push for the postseason kicks off against Indiana, a talented but injury riddled team. The Hoosiers have proven to be the Big Ten's ultimate enigma this year, beating previously unbeaten Wisconsin one day and losing to lowly Minnesota the next.
"We've been so up and down this year due to injuries," said Indiana's four-time Big Ten and two-time national coach of the year, Lin Loring. "Each weekend we just have to hold our breath and hope everyone is ready to go."
Loring said his team is usually healthier for the weekend's first match, which does not bode well for the Lions.
Despite the injuries, the Hoosiers have won three of their last four matches and, in Inga Radel, have one of the country's top freshmen. Radel, who is 23-3 on the season and 18-1 in her last 19, will face off with sophomore Leigh Ann Merryman in the day's marquee matchup.
"That should be a great match," Loring said.
"I remember Merryman from last year. She really impressed me."
Things will not get any easier for the Lions when they travel to Purdue the next day. The Boilermakers are having one of their strongest seasons in recent memory, including a stunning 5-2 win over rival and national power Notre Dame.
"We want our players to really fight hard and to play aggressive on the big points," Purdue assistant Christine Iandolo said. "We recruit players who are talented all over the court. As long as they have the natural skills, we can teach them the finer points. Also, we look for kids with inner confidence that won't roll over and die in a tough match."
Purdue is paced by the doubles team of Gretchen Haynor and Missy Wright, one of the best combinations in the Midwest. The task of taking down Haynor and Wright and Indiana's strong team of Linda Tran and Karie Schulkebir will fall on the shoulders of senior Rebecca Ho and freshman Sarah Spence.
"In no way do we have to concede the doubles point," Baker said. "Doubles play is so quick its anybody's game." This weekend, Penn State cannot concede anything. Two wins are a must and Baker knows it. That said, nothing will come easily.
"Teams are playing harder and matches are more and more competitive," Baker said. "All of the little things are becoming so big."
For Penn State, nothing is bigger than two wins this weekend.
