The return of senior Radu Barbu from an NCAA suspension has sparked a recent surge for the men’s tennis team.As the team prepares for the No. 31 Texas A&M Aggies, head coach Dave Borelli said Barbu’s presence has lifted the team’s spirits and changes it for the better.

“We’d definitely have a tougher time winning without him,” Borelli said.

Since coming back to the courts of Bayard-Friedman Tennis Center, Barbu has lost only one singles match and been a party of every winning doubles tandem.

“With Radu, we will be getting back on track and he will help our chances to improve,” Borelli said.

The men’s team is on its longest winning streak of the season with three consecutive matches won by at least three points.

Borelli said the match against A&M may be a handful for the Horned Frogs as the Aggies are good enough to be a top-20 program.

“They are a good team, and better than their ranking,” Borelli said.

Taking center court during the match for TCU in the singles competition will be senior Cosmin Cotet going against Jerry Makowski of the Aggies.

“I have known their No. 1 guy for quite some time,” Borelli said, “And it will be good to see Cosmin spar it out with Makowski.