INDIANAPOLIS, IND. - Conference play begins this weekend for the Jaguars (2-13) when they travel to Macomb, Ill. to take on the Western Illinois Leathernecks (1-9). But first, they'll face the Hoosiers (8-8) in Bloomington on Thursday (Mar. 13). 

The Jaguars have had a tough go against the Hoosiers in recent years, losing the last three matchups, and this Thursday's contest will prove just as challenging. IU is only 8-8 so far this season, down from their lofty perch in the NCAA's top 40 the last two years, but they have taken care of business against similar competition. They've defeated Xavier 6-1 and Northern Illinois 5-2. IUPUI suffered 6-1 defeats to both schools. 

Following Thursday's in-state contest, the Jaguars will take on their first conference foe of the season in Western Illinois. The Jaguars have just two wins so far, but the goal all season has been to gear up for conference play and make a run at the Summit League Tournament. 

WIU has also struggled in non-conference play, posting a 1-8 record, but won the most recent match with IUPUI 4-3 and holds a 4-2 edge in the last six. 

Jacob Bradley, Patrick O'Neill and Jason Jaruvang each won their doubles matches last year, but the Jaguars were only able to win two singles matches, including Jaruvang's 6-2, 6-1 win at No. 1 singles. 

This season, Alex Toliver has been the team's most reliable option in singles. He's split time between No. 1 and No. 2 singles and posted a 7-8 overall record in singles. 

Bradley and Thomas Gans have been the best doubles pairing for the Jaguars with a 6-5 record, all at No. 2 doubles.