Valpo's Baum, UIC's Knoppe Collect Tennis Athlete of the Week Honors

INDIANAPOLIS -- Valparaiso junior Chris Baum (Charlotte, N.C.) has been named Horizon League Men’s Tennis Athlete of the Week, while UIC sophomore Jana Knoppe (Ihringen, Germany) has earned Horizon League Women’s Tennis Athlete of the Week honors, for the week of Jan. 30-Feb. 5.

At Dayton, Baum led Valparaiso (1-1) to a 4-3 victory over the host Flyers. The junior helped put the Crusaders out front after doubles play, teaming with Adam Whitmer for an 8-5 win at No. 1, the first of three Valpo victories in doubles.

In singles competition, Baum put Valparaiso ahead, 2-0, breezing to a 6-2, 6-3 win at No. 1. Including the fall season, Baum is now 7-3 in singles play.

Helping UIC even its record at 2-2, Knoppe was undefeated at No. 4 singles as the Flames collected road wins over Toledo and Bowling Green, both by 5-2 margins. Against Toledo, Knoppe battled back after dropping the first set, 5-7, to win 6-3, forcing a super tie-break. In the tie-break, Knoppe prevailed, 10-6 to give UIC a key point. The following day, Knoppe coasted to a 6-2, 6-1 victory at No. 4, helping the Flames collect one of their four wins in singles competition.

In doubles play, Knoppe went 1-1 at No. 3, partnering with Linda Hricistova. The duo was part of an effort that went 3-0 for the Flames on Saturday, winning 8-6. On Sunday, the tandem fell, 8-3.

Valparaiso will return home on Saturday, Feb. 11, hosting Grace for a 4 p.m. ET match, while UIC will travel across Iowa, first meeting the University of Iowa on Friday, Feb. 10, before matches against Iowa State on Saturday, Feb. 11.

Men’s Tennis Athletes of the Week:
January 24: Hayden Joblin, Wright State
January 31: Craig Cox, Green Bay
February 7: Chris Baum, Valparaiso

Women’s Tennis Athletes of the Week:
January 24: Alex Bastock, Wright State
January 31: Maddy Soule, Milwaukee
February 7: Jana Knoppe, UIC