Valparaiso University recorded its first victory of the season on Friday afternoon, defeating Southeast Missouri State 33-31, 30-21, 30-22 in the first match of the Ball State Classic in Muncie, Ind.

Liz Mikos (Dundee, Ill./Jacobs H.S.) led the Crusaders offensively with 15 kills while hitting .571 for the match. Lauren Moulton (Elgin, Ill./Larking H.S.) added 13 kills with her .500 hitting percentage and also registered five blocks. Jessie Fox (Granger, Ind./Penn H.S.) added ten kills for the Brown and Gold.

Sara Silcox (Michigan City, Ind./Michigan City H.S.) recorded her 17th straight double-figure dig match with 20, while Amy Palash (Winfield, Ill./Saint Francis H.S.) added 15 more.

Jessic Koeper led Southeast Missouri State (0-2) with 15 kills and 17 digs.

The Crusaders hit .221 for the match and outdug the Otahkians 68-51.

Valpo (1-1) will return to action on Saturday morning for a 10 a.m. match against Albany, before battling the host Cardinals at 7:30 p.m.