The Michigan men's tennis team faces a familiar foe on Saturday though the Wolverines hope to have better results this time around. After cruising past Western Michigan, 7-0, in the first scoring match of the season last weekend, the Wolverines will host No. 5 Texas this weekend.

Earlier this month, Michigan saw the Longhorns in a non-scoring tournament in Key Biscayne, Florida. In its final preseason test, Texas did not surrender a single match to the Wolverines. Michigan was swept in singles by the Longhorns, with their closest matches ending in tough losses for sophomores Chris Cha 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4) and Evan King 7-6 (5), 6-4.

Along with six other Wolverine singles players, King was unable to win a set against a tough Texas squad. Senior Jason Jung was the only player to take a set in singles. Though it appeared that Texas trounced the Wolverines, some of the scores were close.

“In the last match, we had our chances," King said Tuesday. "There were a lot of great matches.”

After being swept on day one of the tournament, the Wolverines looked to avenge their singles defeats against the Longhorns in doubles on the final day. Michigan was unable to do so as they were swept once again. The freshmen pair of Alex Buzzi and Justin Rossi and the doubles team of King and Jung were the only two teams to keep it close, but both lost their matches 8-6 in the pro-set.

Despite losing the first time around to the Longhorns, Michigan — especially the doubles team of King and Jung — is looking forward to the rematch. King and Jung are slated to be Michigan’s top tandem in 2011. Their leadership on and off the court will play a big role in Michigan’s success, and the chance to knock off a highly-ranked team like Texas is an opportunity for the Wolverines early in the season.

“We’re familiar with all the players, we know what to expect, we know their tendencies and we are really looking forward to the match,” King said. “I think we have a good chance.”

But for Michigan to win, it will need heavy contributions from its freshman class.

“Even though we didn’t do so well last time we played Texas, we took some important information from those matches,” freshman Shaun Bernstein said. “It’s up to us to shake off the early nerves of playing dual matches as freshmen and step up and play our game.”

Having already played Texas, Michigan now knows the tendencies and styles of play in each position on the Longhorn roster. Even though the Wolverines cruised over the Broncos last Saturday, this weekend's match against a tough Texas team will not be as easy. However, this weekend will offer Michigan an opportunity to see some of the best competition in the country, while also making a statement early in the season.

“For us, this match is both a learning experience and a chance to upset a top team,” Michigan coach Bruce Berque said. “We really believe we can do it; we are going into this match to win it. We are going to have to win the closer matches and raise our level to do it, but we believe we can do it.”