The men’s tennis team will look to prove it belongs with the major players in college tennis when it takes on No. 1 Ohio State at home Sunday.

“The next step for our program is not just going out there and playing with people or playing against them, but it’s really starting to learn to take over a court and be able to break through and beat those players whether they have experience or not,” coach Matt Anger said.

The Buckeyes are by far the most formidable opponent the Huskies have faced all season. After finishing 35-2 last year, the Buckeyes are returning all six players of their NCAA tournament starting lineup. Three of those players are ranked in the ITA top 10: No. 1 Bryan Koniecko, No. 3 Steven Moneke and No. 6 Justin Kronauge.

But this isn’t the first time the Huskies have faced tough competition. Last year Washington lost a close 4-2 match to Georgia, which ended up winning the national championship.

“I think [Georgia was] one or two ranked and we were close,” said senior Patrick Fischer. “That gives us a lot of confidence also for this match.”

The Huskies have a right to confidence. They’ve swept through their first three opponents, including No. 67 San Francisco. While these wins were impressive, Anger is most impressed with the players’ attempts to improve.

“The reason why I’m excited about our group of guys is that I think they’re genuinely working on these things,” Anger said. “You have to push yourself in moments when you are faced with a stressful situation or beating a talented opponent, and these guys are going to face that.”

The Huskies are healthy and ready to play, said senior David Chu.

“I’m feeling excited,” he said. “Ohio State is the number one team right now. I can’t wait to play them.”

Reach reporter Zach Ruby at sports@dailyuw.com.