The Valparaiso University bowling team finds itself near the top of the standings after day one of the Crusader Challenge in Lynwood, Ill., as the Crusaders went 4-1 on the first day of action.

How It Happened

• Valpo opened the first day of tournament play, contested in the five-game baker format, against #11 UW-Whitewater. The Crusaders led the Warhawks by five pins entering the final game, but UWW bested Valpo by 10 in the final game to edge out the victory, 870-865.
• That would be the only tight match of the day for the Crusaders, however, as they cruised to four straight victories to end the day. The streak started with an 868-665 victory over North Central, and the team’s best effort of the day followed with a 953-714 win over Elmhurst – a match which included games of 224 and 210 from the Crusaders.
• Valpo took down Aurora, 895-812, and then closed the day with a 901-712 victory against Augustana.
• The Crusaders finished Saturday’s five matches with a pinfall of 4,482 pins – just 12 pins shy of UW-Whitewater in first place. With it being just a two-day event, the total pinfall over the two days will determine the tournament champion.

Next Up

Valpo (15-15) closes out the Crusader Challenge on Sunday morning from Lynwood Bowl. Action begins at 8 a.m., with five traditional team games remaining in the tournament.