Friday, April 18, 2003

The Valparaiso University men’s tennis team improved to 2-1 in the Mid-Continent Conference as the Crusaders defeated UMKC 5-2 on Friday afternoon in Indianapolis, Ind.

The Crusaders opened by winning the doubles point taking two of the three matches. Ben Dunham-Freer and Jeff Vrabel cruised to an 8-3 victory at first doubles, while Nathan Gordon and Tyler Neemann were 8-3 victors at the third spot.

Valpo the won four singles matches to earn the victory, all in straight sets. Dunham-Freer was a 6-4, 6-2 winner at the top spot, while Neeman posted a 6-3, 6-1 victory at third singles. Chris Widmeyer recorded a 6-3, 7-5 triumph at fourth singles, while Mike Menghini recorded a fairly easy 6-1, 6-2 win at sixth singles over the Kangaroos (1-14, 1-3 Mid-Con).

Valpo (4-11, 2-1) will conclude conference play on Saturday in Indianapolis with matches against Oral Roberts at 9 a.m. and Chicago State at 2 p.m.