The Valparaiso women's bowling team checked in at #13 in the December National Tenpin Coaches Assocation (NTCA) poll, continuing its streak of being ranked among the nation's top-20 teams.

The Crusaders were ranked in all five polls from their inaugural season and started this season ranked 11th in the nation in the preseason poll.  While Valpo dropped two spots in the polling in the most recent release, its total of 158 polling points was just seven points shy of the 11th spot in the December rankings.

“The poll is very representative of where we are as a team this point in the season,” said Crusader head coach Shon Washington.  “I believe the ladies have come to terms with the issues that prevented us from bowling to our true potential the first half of the season, and we all expect to be better in the new year.”

Valparaiso (27-20) is currently on its holiday break and will return to the lanes in mid-January when it participates in the Mid-Winter Classic in Cabot, Ark.