Valparaiso's women's tennis team dropped a tight 5-4 match to Kalamazoo on Saturday afternoon I Kalamazoo, Mich.

The Crusaders opened by taking just one of three doubles contests. Monika Danko (Northfield, Ill./New Trier H.S.) and Christina Scala (Glenview, Ill./Glenbrook South H.S.) needed a tie-break to win their second double match, but pulled it out 9-8 (3). The Hornets took first doubles by an 8-6 score and won at the third spot 8-5.

In singles play, Kalamazoo (1-0) posted wins at both of the top two spots, but Rachel Janssen (Fort Wayne, Ind./Dwenger H.S.) notched a 6-3, 6-0 win for the Brown and Gold at third singles. Scala also won for Valpo at the fourth spot, rallying after dropping the first set in a tie-break to post a 6-7 (8), 6-0, 10-4 victory. Kate Evangelist (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West H.S.) also won for the Crusaders, notching a 6-2, 6-0 win at fifth singles. Kalamazoo won sixth singles in straight sets though, to give them the five points needed for the victory.

Valpo (0-3) will take three weeks off before returning to the courts on February 21 when the Crusaders will host Evansville in a 5 p.m. match.