By Brian Peloza
Staff Writer

The Purdue men's tennis team will look to learn while also building on last weekend's performances.

The Boilers hope to learn from their loss to Michigan State, which was winless in the Big Ten before its match with Purdue. On the other hand, the Boilers will look to build on their upset win over the No. 20 Michigan Wolverines on Sunday.

Coach Tim Madden said the Boilers' loss to Michigan State was not a matter of underestimating the Spartans.

"We didn’t necessarily play poorly as far as game plan, but Michigan State just outfought us and we weren't ready for it," said Madden.

On paper, the quality of this weekend's two opponents will seem similar to last weekend.

The Boilers (9-8, 5-2 Big Ten) play Penn State (10-8, 0-6) at 1 p.m. Saturday and face Ohio State (10-7, 4-2) at 1 p.m. Sunday. Both matches will be played at the Varsity Tennis Courts.

When the Boilers play Penn State, Madden expects that his team will have learned from its loss to Michigan State

"We're going to be ready to fight both days," said Madden.

According to Madden, the back injury of Carl McCafferty has been slowly improving.

When deciding on whether McCafferty will play, the decision is easy for Madden.

"This time of year, Carl McCafferty doesn't have a choice; he will have to be ready to go," Madden said.

The back problems suffered by McCafferty allowed Evan Hays to get a spot in the doubles lineup last weekend. Madden said that is a place Hays will stay no matter what the health of McCafferty.

"Evan Hays will definitely see some doubles action," said Madden. "He was too valuable to keep out of the doubles lineup."

Hays' value was in the energy he brought to the team. The senior said he just wanted to be extra obnoxious and give the team some momentum before the singles competition.

"I was just yelling and letting our opponents know that we meant business," said Hays.

This weekend's matches will also be the last home matches for the senior.

"It's been a good ride; I will definitely miss this place," Hays said. "It will definitely be a little reminiscent of the past this weekend."