Sunday, February 01, 2004

Nic Kooyers (Holland, Mich./Holland H.S.) posted Valparaiso's only victory of the match, but the Crusaders fought valiantly before falling to Michigan State 6-1 on Sunday afternoon in East Lansing, Mich.

In the beginning it appeared as if the Spartans could run away with the match, sweeping the doubles point. Ben Dunham-Freer (Fort Thomas, Ky./Highlands H.S.) and Jeff Vrabel (Allen Park, Mich./St. Francis Cabrini H.S.) dropped an 8-6 contest at the top spot, while Michigan State took second and third doubles 8-2 and 8-1 respectively.

Singles play saw Valpo fight back. Kooyers pulled out a three set victory at second singles, 6-4, 2-6, 10-7 to earn the Crusaders their lone point of the day. Despite dropping the other matches in straight sets though, Valpo was involved in a pair of tie-breaks in the opening set. Dunham-Freer dropped a first set tie-break 8-6 before eventually falling 7-6 (6), 6-3. Vrabel also extended the first set to a tie-break before falling 7-6 (5), 6-2.

Valparaiso (0-2) will return to the courts on Saturday afternoon as the Brown and Gold travels to Bradley for a 2 p.m. match with the Braves.