Sunday, September 20, 2009

Carlton Lyons (South Bend, Ind./Clay H.S.) won both of his singles matches on Sunday as Valparaiso wrapped up play at the Hotels at Grand Prairie Invitational held in Peoria, Ill.

Lyons, playing in flight six, started his day with a 6-0, 6-3 victory over Andy Bays of Eastern Illinois.  He then added a 6-3, 6-0 triumph against Vance Davis, who also plays for the Panthers.

“Carlton really played well and came through in both of his matches,” head coach Jim Daugherty said.

Adam Whitmer (Shipshewana, Ind./Westview H.S.) dropped a pair of tight contests in the third flight.  He won the opening set against Jamie Firth of Eastern Illinois before falling in a super tie-break for the third set, 1-6, 6-4, 10-8.  The sophomore then fell 6-4, 6-4 to Brock Reiman of Bradley.

In flight four, Kyle Stump (Plymouth, Ind./Plymouth H.S.) fell 7-6 (5), 6-3 to Patrick Hammers of Western Illinois in another close match.

“We had some close matches so there were a lot of positive things to draw from that,” Daugherty said.  “We’re looking forward to getting back to work and continuing to improve.”

Valparaiso will play host to Saint Joseph’s (Ind.) in a dual match on Wednesday afternoon at the Valpo Tennis Complex.  First serve is set for 4 p.m.