Saturday, April 04, 2009

Despite victories at both fifth and sixth singles, as well as third doubles, Valparaiso lost a 5-2 decision to Wright State on Saturday afternoon in Horizon League action at Five Seasons Tennis Center in Dayton, Ohio.

Stephanie York (Elkhart, Ind./Jimtown H.S.) won in both singles and doubles for the Crusaders while Lindsey Gustafson (Naperville, Ill./Benet Academy) also earned a singles win for the Brown and Gold.

York teamed with Katie Bilyeu (Terre Haute, Ind./South Vigo H.S.) for an 8-5 victory over Monica Capozzello and Jessica Wills at third doubles, giving the duo their second win in as many days.  Wright State (2-16, 1-4 Horizon) won the opening doubles point though, taking wins at the top two spots.  Masha Peresetsky and Kenisha Webb were 8-0 winners over Molly Keifer (Richmond, Ind./Richmond H.S.) and Kim Sajevic (Woodbury, Minn./Woodbury H.S.) at the top of the lineup.  Karina Presti and Jackie Garrett added an 8-2 win over Jenny Schwartz (Aurora, Ill./West Aurora H.S.) and Julie Wingstrom (Dallas Lake, Ind./Westview H.S.) at the second spot.

In singles, York posted a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Capozziello at the fifth spot in the lineup while Gustafson added a 6-0, 6-1 win against Wills at the bottom of the order.  The Raiders won at the top four positions though to secure the match.  Presti defeated Sajevic 6-4, 6-4 at the top of the lineup while Peresetsky topped Keifer 6-3, 6-2 at the second spot.  Webb downed Schwartz 6-1, 6-1 at third singles while Garrett beat Bilyeu by the same score at number four singles.

“Our matches are getting closer,” head coach Traci Young said.  “We’re improving every time we step on the court.”

Valparaiso (1-14, 0-5) will return to action on Thursday afternoon as the Crusaders host Wayne State.  First serve is set for 3 p.m. at the Valpo Tennis Complex.