Valparaiso, which ascended to #1 in the nation in the December National Tenpin Coaches Association coaches poll, remained ranked #1 nationally as the NTCA released today the inaugural iteration of its media poll.

The Crusaders tallied 369 points in the polling, which was conducted last week prior to the weekend’s tournaments, and received 10 of 14 first-place votes.  Fairleigh Dickinson totaled 345 points, including the other four first-place nods.  Sacred Heart, Sam Houston State and Central Missouri rounded out the top five in the media poll.

Through four tournaments this season, Valparaiso owns a 39-12 record, including an impressive 17-7 mark against the other nine teams ranked among the top-10 in the media poll.  The Crusaders return to the lanes this weekend at the Big Red Invitational in Lincoln, Neb., hosted by Nebraska.