Valparaiso opened the 2007 season on Friday afternoon with a 5-2 victory over Butler in Indianapolis, Ind. to mark the third consecutive season-opening win for the Brown and Gold.

The Crusaders fell behind after dropping all three doubles matches before rallying to post five singles victories in head coach Michelle Mahoney's debut for Valpo.

In singles, Valpo's Rachel Janssen (Fort Wayne, Ind./Dwenger H.S.) tied the match at one with a 6-1, 6-1 triumph over Tiffany McLoughlin at the top of the lineup. Kate Evangelist (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West H.S.) put the Crusaders in front with her 6-2, 6-2 win over Michelle Hawes at the second spot.

The Bulldogs tied the match at two with Molly Casperson's 6-1, 6-2 victory over Whitney Chada (Downers Grove, Ill./North H.S.) at third singles, but Kim Sajevic (Woodbury, Minn./Woodbury H.S.) regained the lead for Valpo with a 6-4, 7-6 (6) win over Becky Jenkins playing in the fourth position. Lindsey Gustafson (Naperville, Ill./Benet Academy) then posted a 6-4, 6-4 clincher for the Crusaders at sixth singles over Carrie Rachon before Jenny Schwartz (Aurora, Ill./West Aurora H.S.) added a 7-6 (4), 6-2 victory over Ashley Harrison at fifth singles.

Butler (0-3) got the most of Valpo in doubles with Hawes and McLoughlin downing Janssen and Evangelist 8-5 and Molly Casperson and Jenkins topping Chada and Sajevic 9-7 at the second spot. The Bulldogs finished the doubles sweep with Chelsy Casperson and Rachon defeating Schwartz and Julie Wingstrom (Wolcotville, Ind./Westview H.S.) by the score of 8-3.

Valparaiso (1-0) will return to the courts on Sunday afternoon as the Crusaders travel to Peoria, Ill. to battle Bradley. First serve is set for 1 p.m.