MISHAWAUKA, Ind. -- Falling to 1-5 on the season, the Eastern Illinois men's tennis squad dropped a tough 5-2 match at Valparaiso on Sunday afternoon.

Sophomore Michael Sperry and junior Matyas Hilgert picked up individual victories at No. 1 and No. 3 singles, respectively, as both won their match in three-set nail biters.

Sperry also teamed with freshman Charlie Dryden at No. 2 duos, where they proceeded to pick up an 8-4 doubles win, but unfortunately the Crusaders (2-4) captured the all-important doubles point by winning at No. 1 and No. 3.

Dryden and fellow newcomer Volodymyr Zverkovsky lost at No. 4 and No. 6 singles in three-set affairs as well, as each won their first set yet were unable to pull out the victory.

The Panthers will now prepare for a two matches next Sunday, Feb. 27, playing at Marquette at 10 am and then facing UW-Green Bay at 3 pm.

Valpo Men 5, EIU Men 2
Sun., Feb. 20, 2011
South Bend Racquet Club
in Mishawauka, Ind.

Singles
1. Michael Sperry (EIU) def. Jose Gaspar (VALPO) - 6-2, 4-6, 7-5
2. Chris Baum (VALPO) def. Warren Race (EIU) - 6-2, 6-1
3. Matyas Hilgert (EIU) def. Kevin DeHerrera (VALPO) - 7-6 (7-1), 6-1
4. Adam Whitmer (VALPO) def. Charlie Dryden (EIU) - 3-6, 6-3, 6-1
5. Eric Honert (VALPO) def. Kevin Bauman (EIU) - 6-3, 6-2
6. Michael Woodson (VALPO) def. Volodymyr Zverkovsky (EIU) - 2-6, 6-0, 6-2

Doubles
1. Baum/Gaspar (VALPO) def. Jamie Firth/Hilgert (EIU) - 9-8 (7-4)
2. Dryden/Sperry (EIU) def. Whitmer/Honert (VALPO) - 8-4
3. DeHerrera/Kyle Stump (VALPO) def. Bauman/Race (EIU) - 8-3

Match Notes:
Eastern Illinois 1-5
Valparaiso 2-4

Order of finish: Doubles (3,2,1); Singles (2,4,5,6,3,1)

... for more info, contact Bart Rettberg, Asst. SID