Michigan State proved to be too strong on Saturday afternoon, and spoiled the 2009 season opener for the Valparaiso University men’s tennis team, handing the Crusaders a 7-0 defeat at the MSU Indoor Tennis Facility in East Lansing, Mich.

“I was really pleased with the quality of points we were playing,” head coach Jim Daugherty said.  “Unfortunately we were just not able to convert them into games, sets, and matches.”

Valpo started strong in doubles action, with Alex Lau (Bloomington, Minn./Jefferson Senior H.S.) and Tom Litscher (Eau Claire, Wis./Memorial H.S.) teaming to post an 8-5 victory over Austin Brooks and John Stratton.

Unfortunately, Michigan State (6-0) was able to secure wins at both the second and third spots to take the first point of the match.  Kevin DeHerrera (Littleton, Colo./Chatfield H.S.) and Adam Whitmer (Shipshewana, Ind./Westview H.S.) fell 8-1 to Alex Forger and Clark Richardson at number two doubles while Kyle Stump (Plymouth, Ind./Plymouth H.S.) and Phidias Fortune (San Antonio, Texas/Madison H.S.) dropped an 8-3 decision to Brendan Kinkopf and Scott Rasmussen at the bottom of the lineup.

In singles play, the Spartans swept all six matches in straight sets.  John Allare defeated Lau 6-1, 6-0 at the top spot while Rasmussen topped Litscher 6-3, 6-0 at number two singles.  Ronnie Hulewicz posted a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Fortune at the third slot in the order while Jason Norville defeated DeHerrera 6-4, 6-2 at four singles.  Whitmer fell 6-2, 6-2 to Richarson at number five singles while Stump dropped a 6-3, 6-0 match against Kinkopf.

Valparaiso (0-1) will head to Peoria, Ill. next Saturday, February 7, for a 1 p.m. match against Bradley.