Valparaiso University has been picked to finish fifth in the Horizon League during its inaugural season of play according to the preseason poll selected by the league’s head coaches, sports information directors, and media members.

            The Crusaders garnered 152 points in the balloting, while Milwaukee was picked as the preseason favorite with 13 first place votes and 253 total points.  Green Bay was selected to finish second followed by Butler, UIC, and Valpo.  Youngstown State was selected sixth with Wright State, Cleveland State, Detroit, and Loyola rounding out the poll.

            Head coach Keith Freeman’s squad returns eight letterwinners, including two starters, from last year’s team which finished 20-11 overall and 11-3 in the Mid-Continent Conference, earning a runner-up finish.

            Valparaiso has had winning seasons in 16 of the last 17 years and has posted five 20-win seasons.

            The Crusaders open exhibition play on November 1 against Trinity Christian before the regular season opens on November 9 at Bowling Green.