Saturday, February 07, 2004

Valparaiso dropped its third straight match on Saturday afternoon, falling to Bradley 5-2 in Peoria, Ill.

The Braves opened sweeping all three doubles contests. Valpo's second doubles team of Nic Kooyers (Holland, Mich./Holland H.S.) and Joe Venegas (St. Charles, Ill./St. Charles North H.S.) fell 9-7, while Valpo's other teams dropped 8-4 and 8-2 contests.

The Crusaders picked up a pair of singles victories. Ben Dunham-Freer (Fort Thomas, Ky./Highlands H.S.) rallied after dropping the first set to post a 1-6, 6-3, 10-3 win at the top spot. Jeff Vrabel (Allen Park, Mich./St. Francis Cabrini H.S.) then notched a 6-1, 4-6, 10-6 win at fourth singles for the Brown and Gold. Bradley won the other four matches in straight sets.

Valpo (0-3) will return to the courts on Friday evening as the Brown and Gold hosts Dayton in a 6 p.m. match at the Northwest Athletic Club.