Valparaiso’s men’s tennis team won for the third time in its last five matches on Monday morning, shutting out Saint Cloud State 7-0 at Star Island Resort in Kissimmee, Fla.

“I was really proud of our guys with their focus and intensity today,” head coach Jim Daugherty said.  “I look for it to continue throughout the rest of our trip.”

The Crusaders started the match strong, winning all three doubles contests.  Jose Gaspar (Sao Paulo, Brazil/CEAD H.S.) and Chris Baum (Charlotte, N.C./Providence H.S.) started off with an 8-4 victory over Shane Ecklund and Joao Orsi at number one doubles.  Adam Whitmer (Shipshewana, Ind./Westview H.S.) and Eric Honert (Arvada, Colo./Ralston Valley H.S.) followed with an 8-5 triumph over Michael Margolies and Kevin Bauleke at the second spot while Kevin DeHerrera (Littleton, Colo./Chatfield H.S.) and Kyle Stump (Plymouth, Ind./Plymouth H.S.) competed the doubles sweep winning by the same score at the third spot over Matheus Aching and Lucas Luzi.

Valpo continued its dominance in singles, sweeping all six matches in straight sets against Saint Cloud State (4-7).  Gaspar cruised 6-1, 6-0 at the top of the order against Ecklund while Baum won by the same tally against Orsi at the second spot.  DeHerrera was a 6-0, 6-1 victor against Bauleke at third singles while Honert moved up to the fourth spot and posted a 6-2, 6-2 triumph over Matt Sturgeon.  For DeHerrera and Honert, they both won their team-leading ninth matches.

The Crusaders continued to add on victories at the bottom of the order.  Whitmer notched a 6-1, 6-4 win at the fifth spot against Elliot O’Neal while Michael Woodson (Raleigh, N.C./Ravenscroft H.S.) captured a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Margolies.

Valparaiso (3-6) will continue play on its spring trip in Florida on Tuesday morning, facing Robert Morris (Pa.).  First serve is set for 10:30 a.m. CST.