Kaitlyn Hamel fueled a comeback at No. 2 singles that catapulted the Crusaders to a 4-3 victory Monday at The Courts of NWI.

The No. 1 tandem of Kristin Zakiewicz and Michele Fredlake won the decisive match at doubles after No. 2 and No. 3 split.

The Crusaders and the Cougars split the six singles matches, meaning the doubles point was the difference-maker in the non-conference tilt.

Megan Barthels was victorous at No. 4 singles 6-0, 6-3.  Lauren Kammerer followed with a win at No. 6 singles as she defeated Mia Townsell 6-4, 6-3. 

With the match knotted at 3-3, it all came down to the match at No. 2 singles between Hamel and Viviene Noel.  Noel took the first set 6-1. Hamel fought back to take the second set 6-2.  The third set wasn't as one-sided as the two battled before Hamel prevailed with a 7-5 triumph.

"They played great and earned the victory.  I was very proud of them," head coach Traci Young said after the match.

Valparaiso concludes their season Friday at home against UIC at 3:00 pm.  The match is scheduled to take place at the Valpo Tennis Complex.