Valparaiso University’s Chris Baum (Charlotte, N.C./Providence H.S.) has been named the Horizon League Men’s Tennis Athlete of the Week for his role in the Crusaders’ 4-3 victory at Dayton on Saturday afternoon.

The redshirt-junior teamed with Adam Whitmer (Shipshewana, Ind./Westview H.S.) for an 8-5 victory at number one doubles as Valpo swept the day’s opening point.  The duo now leads the Brown and Gold with five doubles wins on the year.

Baum then posted a 6-2, 6-3 victory at number one singles to increase his record to 7-3 in 2011-2012.  The singles triumph marked the 30^th in Baum’s two-plus year career at Valpo.

The Player of the Week honor is the first of Baum’s career with the Crusaders.

Baum and the Crusaders (1-1) will return to action on Saturday afternoon for their indoor home opener.  Valpo will host Grace beginning at 3 p.m. at Matchpoint Tennis Club in Griffith, Ind.