A surprise win in the number two singles was all that M.I.T.'s tennis team could salvage out of nine matches here yesterday afternoon. The Engineers put up unexpectedly stiff resistance, though, extending four of the singles matches to three sets.

With Broward Craig sidelined due to a pulled leg muscle, Captain Hilliard Hughts took over the number one slot and defeated highly-rated Jerry Menselvache 8-6 in the third set.

Bob Haynes, who has been bothered this season by a bad shoulder, hit his stride yesterday with a decisive 6-0, 6-1 over his number four M.I.T. opponent.

Jack Frey, Aaron Cohodes, and Paul Tobias also came through with singles wins at three, five, and six respectively, while Chase Peterson and Bob Bramhall; Bill Goodman and Craig Combs; and Lee Nutt and Mitch Reese swept all three doubles matches in straight sets.

Meanwhile, the Yardlings came through as expected with a 9 to 0 win at M.I.T. Today the freshmen meet Williams on the Soldiers Field courts at 3 p.m. The match was originally scheduled for earlier in the season, but was rained out.