For the first time as an intercollegiate sport at Valparaiso, the Crusaders took to the links on Monday morning, competing in the first round of the PTSIR Golf Performance Classic at Lost Marsh Golf Course in Hammond, Ind.

The Crusaders turned in a team total of 390 for round one on the 5,910-yard, par-72 layout, finishing the round in 10th place.  Butler leads the tournament at 313.

Kathleen Cooper (Hobart, Ind./Hobart H.S.) carded Valpo’s low round in the opener, shooting an 87, to tie for 41st place overall.  Annie Nolan (Valparaiso, Ind./Valparaiso H.S.) added an 89 for the Brown and Gold while Jessica O’Brien (Chesterton, Ind./Chesterton H.S.) shot 98.

Valparaiso heads into Tuesday’s final round just one shot behind ninth place IPFW.  Tuesday’s round will begin with a shotgun start at 7:30 a.m. at Lost Marsh.