Plagued by a college career filled with injuries, Andrew Formanczyk set big goals for his senior season to beat some of the nation's best tennis players.

But the 6-foot-2 senior struggled most of the fall season, battling chronic strep throat and tonsillitis.

After having his tonsils removed, Formanczyk had to work to get back to top form.

But now his hopes are starting to come true.

He's knocked off four ranked opponents and played the No. 1 singles and doubles spot all season with a 16-12 record and a No. 102 ranking earlier this season in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association poll.

By using a powerful serve that's been measured at 125 mph, being an aggressive baseline player and using left-handed abilities, Formanczyk made a name for himself in the tough Big Ten conference.

But nationally, he's still playing under the radar as his early health problems seem to keep him out of the rankings.

"Those couple bad losses I took in the fall have hindered the big wins I've had," Formanczyk said.

This weekend, the MSU men's tennis team (12-10 overall, 4-4 Big Ten) is counting on him to lead the Spartans in his last home matches to as high as a fourth-place finish in the Big Ten.

The Spartans play Penn State (15-5, 4-4) at noon Saturday and Indiana (11-10, 5-3) at noon Sunday. Both matches are at the MSU Outdoor Tennis Facility near Wilson Hall.

The Spartans already have improved on their 3-7 record from last year.

MSU head coach Gene Orlando said despite injuries, Formanczyk has had an impressive career-winning 80 matches, mostly at the tough No. 1 singles spot. Senior Cameron Marshall also has 79 career wins.

"I can't remember two seniors that have won as much as they have," Orlando said.

Formanczyk practically grew up on the court. He was inspired by his uncle Brian Herman, who also played No. 1 singles for Western Michigan.

His mother was always playing, and that led to Formanczyk competing in tournaments across the country.

As a freshman, he grabbed a Big Ten indoor consolation title. As a sophomore, he was named to the All-Big Ten team and reached the quarterfinals of the conference singles championships. And as a junior, he finished the season ranked No. 91 in the country.

"He's just a great competitor," Orlando said. "He hates to lose. If it's a game, he wants to win."

But this season, a healthy Formanczyk has added big accomplishment to his tennis résumé.

Competing at No. 1 doubles, Formanczyk and freshman Nick Rinks have climbed up to national rankings to No. 39 with a 22-11 record.

Battling back from an early deficit on Saturday, Rinks and Formanczyk knocked off the No. 1 ranked team in the country of Scott Green and Ross Wilson from Ohio State, 9-7.

"I've never beat anyone ranked No. 1," Formanczyk said. "For a short time, we could say we were No. 1."

Formanczyk said the team benefits from Rinks' hands around the net, his speed and his tough serve.

"I could really feel the chemistry since we were first paired," he said.

Rinks has used his senior partner's advice and talents to teach him the ropes of college tennis.

"It's a long season," Rinks said. "He taught me to stick through it."