Adam Whitmer (Shipshewana, Ind./Westview H.S.) earned a win at fourth singles for Valparaiso on Saturday afternoon, but the Crusaders dropped a 6-1 match to Ball State at the Muncie YMCA in Muncie, Ind. in the season opener for the Brown and Gold.

Whitmer posted a straight sets, 7-5, 6-4 victory over Austin Sansone for Valpo’s lone point.

“I’m really proud of how Adam finished out his match,” head coach Jim Daugherty said.

Chris Baum (Charlotte, N.C./Providence H.S.) won his opening set at number one doubles against Dalton Albertin before falling in three sets 3-6, 6-2, 6-3.

Ball State (1-2) won each of the other four singles contests in straight sets.  Ray Leonard was a 6-1, 6-1 winner over Eric Honert (Arvada, Colo./Ralston Valley H.S.) at number two singles while Patrick Elliott downed Michael Woodson (Raleigh, N.C./Ravenscroft H.S.) by the same score at the fifth spot.  Austin Smith defeated Kevin DeHerrera (Littleton, Colo./Chatfield H.S.) 6-3, 6-0 at third singles while Derek Carpenter was a 6-1, 6-3 winner over Siddarth Mehta (South Bend, Ind./Clay H.S.) at the fifth spot.

The Cardinals also won all three doubles contests.  Albertin and Leonard topped Baum and Whitmer 8-6 at the top of the lineup while Carpenter and Zane Smith defeated Honert and DeHerrera at the second spot 8-4.  Elliott and Austin Smith were 8-5 victors over Woodson and Mehta.

“I hope we can go into each match this season with the same intensity we had today,” Daugherty added.

Valparaiso (0-1) will return to the courts next Saturday traveling to Dayton, Ohio to battle the Flyers of Dayton.  First serve is slated for 3 p.m. CST.