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Ryan Haith wants to shed the tag of doubles specialist for the Nebraska men's tennis team.

The fifth-year senior from Lincoln East has gradually climbed the Husker ladder every year. The 6-foot-4 Haith went from a walk-on just fighting to avoid being cut from the squad in his first couple years at NU to a doubles specialist the past two years, a role that utilized his strong serve-and-volley game.

Injuries to two of the Huskers' top three players -- Lance Mills and Juan Hamdan (now graduated) -- lifted Haith into the singles line-up for most last season when he posted a 6-7 record playing No. 5 and 6. Haith is currently No. 6 on the Huskers' ladder heading into NU's season-opener at the Rice University Indoor Invitational in Houston starting today.

"I want to prove I belong in the singles line-up, that I'm more than just a doubles player," said Haith, a two-time No. 1 doubles state champion at East. "I'm in good shape and I'm playing the best tennis of my life. I'd really like to go out on a high note."

Haith is one of five starters back from last year's disappointing 7-13 season in which the Huskers were 0-9 in Big 12 play. Mills' foot injury, which forced the junior to take a redshirt year, combined with Hamdan's broken foot was too much for NU to overcome.

Haith says this year's NU team is the best he's been on, including the squad two years ago that reached the semifinals of the Big 12 tournament and just missed an NCAA tournament berth.

"What happened last year was a little disheartening, and I think that's motivated everyone to work hard," said Haith, who is battling freshman Patrick Kennedy for the No. 6 singles spot. "We probably have more talent and more depth than we've ever had before. If we stay healthy, this is the best chance we've had to go to the NCAAs."

Mills, a former No. 1 singles state champion from Millard South, went 13-8 at No. 2 singles two years ago. Mills transferred to NU from Virginia Tech after this freshman year. There are two other starters back NU's team two years ago -- seniors Jorge Abos Sanchez and Kai Rieke.

Sanchez, a four-year starter, went 10-10 at No. 1 singles last season. He's still No. 1 on the ladder, and Coach Kerry McDermott says Sanchez probably deserves serious consideration for a national ranking. Rieke had NU's best singles record, 13-9, playing No. 2 and 3 a year ago.

Senior Adnan Hadzialic and junior Fungai Tongoona were also starters last season and are currently No. 3 and 5, respectively, on the singles ladder. Hadzialic played No. 1 singles two years ago at Tennessee Tech.

McDermott said Mills' return "really helps. He's the guy who won't let anyone just coast through practice. He's very intense, and he's not afraid to tell someone if they're not working hard.

"I expect a lot out of these guys, we should have a good year, no excuses," McDermott added. "Because of the injuries last year, everyone had to move up two spots, and I think that experience will help us this year. We're not ranked top 50 right now, but we look like a team that should be. I think we'll surprise some people." Reach Ron Powell at 473-7437 or rpowell@journalstar.com