The Michigan’s men’s tennis team came within one singles point of sealing the victory.

But with its lingering confidence problems and lackluster performances from the top two singles players, the 40th-ranked Wolverines lost 4-3 in a pressure-packed match against No. 67 Iowa at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex in Iowa City yesterday. The defeat extended Michigan's losing streak to a season-high seven matches.

With the overall score tied at three, junior George Navas could not secure the match-clinching win in his third set at No. 5 singles, losing 7-6, 3-6, 7-6.

“We’re just not playing up to our capabilities,” Michigan coach Bruce Berque said of his 6-11 team. “Even though we’re giving a good competitive effort, we somehow find ways to make mistakes in bunches.”

An encouraging moment on the day was the return of junior Mike Sroczynski, who reentered the starting singles lineup after sitting out the last three matches. Because Sroczynski struggled against Washington and Notre Dame a few weeks ago, Berque decided to give him a mental break to let him regain his confidence.

The decision paid off as Sroczynski, who played in the fourth singles spot, dominated freshman Will Vasos of Iowa in straight sets, 7-5, 6-0.

“It was the best match he played this year, he feels a lot better,” Berque said. “He’s the perfect example (of someone regaining his confidence). He was able to watch the other matches and get a better perspective.”

After the Iowa loss, Berque had a stern message for his team.

“I told them that I would have to pull off some magic to make them feel good after this loss,” Berque said. “We just can’t give up until the last ball is hit.”

The Wolverines had a strikingly similar performance in the Big Ten opener against No. 37 Minnesota on Saturday.

Michigan secured the doubles point but dropped the heated contest 4-3 after losing in the top three singles spots.

“Having confidence is big in this sport,” Berque said. “Our guys aren’t only battling the opponent, but they’re battling with their own minds.”

In the midst of a difficult road stretch, the Wolverines look to bounce back next weekend against No. 29 Wisconsin and No. 51 Northwestern.