#1 Valparaiso finished in fifth place at the Kutztown Invitational in Reading, Pa. on Sunday, winning its final match of the tournament to earn the fifth-place finish in the nation's largest NCAA bowling tournament of the season.

The Crusaders were seeded third based on total pinfall through the first two days of action, but dropped a 4-3 decision to #3 Sacred Heart, which entered Sunday seeded fourth, in the first match of bracket play, contested in the best-of-seven baker format. Valpo then fell to #7 Vanderbilt, 4-1, before rebounding to earn a 4-2 victory over #12 Delaware State to close out the tournament in fifth place.

"Overall, we're pleased with our performance this weekend," said senior Amanda Cortese. "We had a tough schedule and managed to come out with a solid record.  It's unfortunate we couldn't close out as strong on Sunday, but it just shows where we need improvement.  We need to bowl our game and not worry about our opponents, and that's what we will focus to improve upon next weekend.

Valparaiso (57-22) returns to the lanes next Friday, Feb. 3, as the Crusaders head to the Prairie View A&M Invitational. The three-day tournament is slated to begin at 12:20 p.m. on Friday in Arlington, Texas.