Thursday, April 19, 2012

Valparaiso University head men’s tennis coach Jim Daugherty has announced the additions of three student-athletes that will continue their playing careers with the Crusaders beginning in the fall.  Joining the Crusaders as freshmen next fall are Michael Baiocchi and Michael Savaglio.

Baiocchi, a native of Naperville, Ill., is ranked number 17 in Illinois in the USTA rankings and is ranked number 315 in the country.  Playing at Neuqua Valley High School, he was an All-Conference selection as a freshman and junior and won a sectional title at number one doubles last season.  He helped his team finish eighth at the state championships and placed in the top-24 in doubles and is a three-star recruit.

“Michael Baiocchi is a great talent that will impact the team immediately in both singles and doubles at the top of our line-up,” Daugherty said.  “Throughout his career he has shown steady improvement in his game.  I have no doubt that he will continue to improve and flourish in the division one college environment.”

Savaglio, from Kenosha, Wis., is ranked second in Wisconsin and 27^th in the Midwest as well as 228^th nationally in the USTA rankings.  As a sophomore at Bradford High School, Savaglio qualified for state and was an All-Conference selection with an 18-4 singles record.  A three-star recruit, he also helped lead his team to a runner-up finish in the section finals in 2010.

“Michael Savaglio will be a solid addition to the team and will be expected to contribute immediately to both singles and doubles at the top of the line-up,” Daugherty added.  “He has made significant progress on his game over the last three years and will no doubt continue to improve. His work ethic is the best I have seen in years.”

“I am very pleased to have a very talented freshmen class coming in,” Daugherty concluded.  “They will join Danny Oakes, who we signed in the fall, and between their athletic talent and the positive attitudes they possess, I have no doubt that they will make their mark on Valpo tennis history.”