After a holiday hiatus, the #RV Valparaiso University bowling team returned to competition Friday on the first day of action at the Mid-Winter Classic, hosted by Arkansas State in Jonesboro, Ark.

How It Happened

• With an odd number of teams in the field, Valpo’s opening match was a bye on Friday. Valpo rolled an 892 in the opener to kick off the day of five-game baker format matches.
• Valpo then faced two of the nation’s best teams in its next two matches. First up was a matchup against host #4 Arkansas State, which Valpo dropped 1048-891. The Crusaders then took on the nation’s top-ranked team in McKendree, falling by a 920-812 final.
• Valpo lost a 946-895 decision to Drury in the fourth match of the day, but closed the first day of the tournament on a high note with a 914-825 victory over Alabama State.
• Valpo ended the opening day in 15th place out of the 21 competing teams, with a pinfall of 4,404 pins over the tournament’s first five matches.

Next Up

Valpo (23-32) continues action from Jonesboro on Saturday in the traditional team format.