Chris Baum (Charlotte, N.C./Providence H.S.) posted Valparaiso’s lone victory on Friday afternoon as the Crusaders dropped a 6-1 match to the University of Detroit Mercy at the Titan Tennis Complex in Detroit, Mich.

Baum defeated the Titans’ Alex Latosinsky 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (3) in a third set tie-break, rallying after dropping the opening set.

“Chris played really well today,” head coach Jim Daugherty said.  “It feels like he’s getting back to what he does best.”

Detroit (7-12, 2-3 Horizon) won the other five singles matches in straight sets.  Cesar Escobar Serrano defeated Eric Honert (Arvada, Colo./Ralston Valley H.S.) 7-5, 6-4 at the second spot while Mike Basha posted a 6-4, 7-5 win over Kevin DeHerrera (Littleton, Colo./Chatfield H.S.) at number three.  Adam Whitmer (Shipshewana, Ind./Westview H.S.) fell 6-1, 6-4 against Pablo Nunez at fourth singles while David Streeter was a 6-3, 6-2 winner over Siddarth Metha (South Bend, Ind./Clay H.S.) at number five.  Chris Cheung topped Egan Hart (Raleigh, N.C./Ravenscroft H.S.) 6-3, 6-0 at the bottom of the order.

Honert and DeHerrera posted an 8-5 win at second doubles against Latosinsky and David Stabley, but Detroit won the other two matches to take the first point.  Cheung and Basha topped Baum and Whitmer 8-4 at one while Nunez and Jay Josh topped Michael Woodson (Raleigh, N.C./Providence H.S.) and Hart 8-1 at the third spot.

Valparaiso (6-11, 0-4) will return home to host Chicago State on Monday afternoon.  First serve is set for 3 p.m. at the Valpo Tennis Complex.