Friday, October 01, 2004

Valparaiso tried to rally from an early deficit while fighting off daylight but fell just short on Friday afternoon as the Crusaders dropped a 4-3 decision to Wisconsin-Green Bay at Brown Courts.

The visiting Phoenix jumped out to the early lead after winning all three doubles matches for the day's first point. A win at fourth singles put the guests in front by two early.

Nic Kooyers (Holland, Mich./Holland H.S.) put the Brown and Gold on the board with a 6-3, 7-6 (4) victory at second singles. Another Wisconsin-Green Bay win at the fifth spot put Valpo down 3-1, but the Crusaders battled back.

Mike Wagner (Ann Arbor, Mich./Ann Arbor Pioneer H.S.) notched a 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 win at the sixth spot, while Ben Dunham-Freer (Fort Thomas, Ky./Highlands H.S.) rallied from a set down to post a 6-7 (3), 6-2 ,6-3 win at the top of the order.

In the deciding match at third singles, Shabbi Kahn (Karachi, Pakistan/Oasys H.S.) just missed pulling out a win against Tim Prudlow, falling 7-5, 5-7, 6-3.

Valparaiso will play its final fall dual match of the season on Sunday afternoon, hosting Cleveland State at Brown Courts. First serve is set for noon.