By Brian Peloza
Staff Writer

The Purdue men's tennis team will be looking forward to an easier schedule after dropping its match with Illinois Sunday at the Varsity tennis courts.

The 7-0 loss was the first in the Big Ten for the Boilers. Purdue now has a record of 6-7 overall, 2-1 in the Big Ten.

The No. 6 Illini rounded out a schedule that had the Boilers playing tough matches on the road against USC and Pepperdine, both nationally ranked teams.

Despite the losses, Coach Tim Madden was pleased with the improvements shown by his team.

"We have to keep our heads up," said Madden. "I believe we have improved a lot in the last couple of weeks, but you can't tell on paper."

Derek Miller teamed with Carl McCafferty at the No. 2 doubles position to earn the lone Boiler victory 8-6. The Boilers were highly competitive in doubles play, something Madden has come to expect from his team.

"One of our biggest strengths is to come out in doubles and make them deal with a lot of our stuff to try to get them to mentally come apart," said Madden.

Unfortunately for Purdue, the Illini didn't unravel mentally and won the other two doubles matches to claim the point.

"Illinois is a stronger willed team," said Madden. "They refused to come out of their game plan for us."

Giving opponents points off first serves is a concern for Madden.

"I think the difference in today's match is that they are getting a lot of free points off first serves and that is giving them a lot of confidence," said Madden.

Madden said those free points are making the opposing players feel they need to win only two points to win a game.

The closest singles match of the day was at the No. 2 position. Miller lost in three sets to Jeff Laski 1-6, 7-6, 1-6.

Madden expects that Miller will soon be defeating top opponents, instead of just competing with them.

"Today was a good sign he can take anyone, even this nationally ranked opponent — like in the past — to tiebreakers and third sets," Madden said. "He has to find that edge."

Madden said that edge comes from Miller testing himself physically and mentally during the week, something he has improved on this year.

Jason Marshall, playing at the No. 1 position, lost to Cary Franklin 3-6, 2-6. Franklin is ranked 13th in the nation.

At the No. 3 position, Andrew Wakefield lost to Graydon Oliver 3-6, 3-6. McCafferty, who played at the No. 4 position, lost to Jamal Parker 4-6, 4-6.

Scott Mayer and Laith Al-Agba also lost their matches in straight sets, playing at the No. 5 and No. 6 positions, respectively.