The #25 Valparaiso University bowling team kicked off the Big Red Invitational from Lincoln, Neb. on Thursday, ending the day in fifth place out of the nine competing programs.

How It Happened

• Valpo opened action Thursday evening, contested in the five-game baker format, versus #13 UW-Whitewater, falling by a 1096-985 final.
• The Crusaders earned their lone victory Thursday over Lincoln in their second contest, earning a 903-859 win.
• Valpo dropped a 1040-963 decision to host #2 Nebraska in its next match, and then concluded play on the first day with a 1049-1003 defeat against #10 Central Missouri.
• The Crusaders tallied 3,854 pins over Thursday’s four matches to finish the day in fifth place in the nine-team field, almost 200 pins ahead of the 10th-ranked Jennies.

Next Up

The Crusaders (37-40) will continue play from Nebraska on Friday morning. Traditional team games begin at 10:25 a.m.