Monday, March 07, 2005

Valparaiso dropped the second match of its spring trip in Florida 5-2 to Stetson on Monday afternoon in DeLand, Fla.

The Crusaders battled during the doubles point, but fell one victory shy of securing the point. The duo of Shabbi Khan (Karachi, Pakastan/Oasys H.S.) and Nic Kooyers (Holland, Mich./Holland H.S.) posted an 8-4 win at second doubles for their third straight victory together. However, Stetson (9-3) posted wins at one and three to secure the point. Ben Dunham-Freer (Fort Thomas, Ky./Highlands H.S.) and Tim Shideler (Valparaiso, Ind./Munster H.S.) fell 8-5 at the top spot while Dave Bukowski (Mount Prospect, Ill./Prospect H.S.) and Joe Venegas (Saint Charles, Ill./North H.S.) dropped an 8-6 match.

In singles play, Kooyers registered a win at the top spot after his opponent retired. Kooyers trailed 3-6, 1-0 at the time. Bukowski also led 6-4, 2-1 when his opponent retired at fifth singles to earn Valpo's other point. Dunham-Freer fell 7-5, 6-0 at second singles while Venegas dropped a 6-3, 6-1 match at the third spot. Shideler fell 6-4, 6-2 at fourth while Mike Wagner (Ann Arbor, Mich./Pioneer H.S.) dropped a 6-0, 7-6 match at the sixth spot.

Valpo (1-7) will return to the courts on Tuesday afternoon when the Crusaders face Sacred Heart beginning at 3 p.m. CST in Orlando, Fla.