VU baseball team picked for third in Horizon League

Valparaiso University has been predicted to finish in third in the Horizon League, according to a preseason poll of the league's head coaches.

Coach Tracy Woodson returns 16 letterwinners from last year's team, which went 25-32 overall and 14-10 (fourth place) in the Horizon League. The Crusaders finished runner-up in the league tournament.

The Crusaders received 16 points in the poll, just three behind Illinois-Chicago. Wright State was tabbed to defend its league title, earning five of the six first-place votes. Milwaukee was picked to finish fourth, while Butler and Youngstown State rounded out the poll.

College Softball

VU TABBED FOR FOURTH IN LEAGUE: Valparaiso University has been picked to finish fourth in the Horizon League in a preseason poll of the league's head coaches.

Valparaiso totaled 45 points in the rankings, which awarded nine points for a first-place vote. UIC picked up 60 points and six first-place votes to top the poll, followed by Butler (55-2). Loyola received the remaining first-place nod and 48 points, while Wright State (36), Cleveland State (33) Green Bay (21), Youngstown State (18) and Detroit (8) followed the Crusaders.

Second-year Crusaders coach Jordan Stevens returns 15 letterwinners, including seven starters and both starting pitchers.

Women's Soccer

VU SIGNS EIGHT: Valparaiso University has announced the signing of eight players to National Letters of Intent.

Joining the Crusaders in the fall of 2012 are defender Taylor Colliau, midfielder Rita Craven, midfielder Sabrina DeNard, midfielder Jenny Fassbinder, forward Sarrah Ludwig, defender Shelby Oelschlager, forward Jordyn Ryfiak, and goalkeeper Sarah Silvasi.

"We have something special going on here in our soccer program and these young women are another recruiting class that elevates our talent level," Valpo coach John Marovich said in a media release.

The class includes two players from Michigan and one each from Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ontario, Calfornia and Arizona.

Men's Tennis

BAUM EARNS HORIZON HONOR: Valparaiso University's Chris Baum has been named the Horizon League Men's Tennis Athlete of the Week for his role in the Crusaders' 4-3 victory at Dayton on Saturday.

The redshirt-junior teamed with Adam Whitmer for an 8-5 victory at No. 1 doubles as Valpo swept the day's opening point. The duo leads the Crusaders with five doubles wins.

Baum then posted a 6-2, 6-3 victory at one singles to improve his season record to 7-3. The triumph also marked the 30th in Baum's VU career.