Valparaiso forced four singles matches to three sets on Monday afternoon at Matchpoint Racquet Club in Griffith, Ind., but managed just one victory among them as the Crusaders dropped a 6-1 contest to Ball State.

The Cardinals opened with victories at second and third doubles to secure the first point of the match. Valpo's Rachel Janssen (Fort Wayne, Ind./Dwenger H.S.) and Kate Evangelist (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West H.S.) posted an 8-6 victory at first doubles, though, to keep the Crusaders from being swept.

Ball State (4-4) won three of the four three set matches in singles play to capture the victory though. Lindsey Gustafson (Naperville, Ill./Benet Academy) registered the lone Valpo with a 6-7 (3), 6-4, 6-4 triumph over Katherine Rist at sixth singles.

Evangelist dropped a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 decision at second singles while Whitney Chada (Downers Grove, Ill./North H.S.) fell 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 at the fourth spot. Kim Sajevic (Woodbury, Minn./Woodbury H.S.) won the opening set at the third spot before falling 2-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Valparaiso (4-4) will be off the courts until March 11 when the Crusaders face Appalachian State in Orlando, Fla. First serve is set for 10 a.m.