Valparaiso kicked off their 2005 campaign in style, sweeping Central Michigan 30-25, 30-20, 30-28 Saturday morning in the opening match of the WMU Fall Kickoff Tournament.

Amy Palash (Winfield, Ill./Saint Francis H.S.) led the way for the Crusaders, hitting .476 with 14 kills. Liz Mikos (Dundee, Ill./Jacobs H.S.) added 12 kills, along with a team-best four blocks.

Katie Bova (Milwaukee, Wis./Divine Savior Holy Angels H.S.) narrowly missed registering a triple-double for the Brown and Gold, contributing 40 assists, ten digs, and nine kills. Her ten digs tied Jessi Novak (Antigo, Wis./Antigo H.S.) for team-high honors.

Sarah Warner led the Chippewas (0-1) with nine kills, while Alison Baker and Kate Fissel added four blocks apiece.

Valpo hit .202 for the match, compared to .107 for Central Michigan, and outdug the Chippewas 49-29. Both teams recorded eight blocks.

Valparaiso (1-0) takes the court again this evening as they face the host Broncos. First serve is slated for 6:00 p.m.