Sunday, February 24, 2013

The #15 Valparaiso bowling squad split eight matches in its final two days of competition this weekend at the Holiday Collegiate Classic in Bessemer, Ala., hosted by Alabama A&M.

Saturday's action was contested in the traditional team format, with the Crusaders going 3-2 over that day's five matches. Valpo opened with a 922-891 win over UAB before falling 844-822 to #4 Arkansas State and 1043-938 to #5 Vanderbilt. The Crusaders rebounded, closing the day with wins over host Alabama A&M (844-804) and #RV Alabama State (971-869).

Redshirt sophomore Alyssa Alvarez (Antioch, Ill./Antioch) was the only Crusader to bowl all five matches, averaging a 183, including a high game of 211 against Vanderbilt. Sophomore Sadie Jasinski (Franklin, Wis./Franklin) posted Valpo's top average, averaging a 204 over her three matches, including the team's best game of the day with a 233 in the win over Alabama State.

Sunday saw the Crusaders go 1-2 in best-of-seven baker action. Valpo dropped a seven-game decision to Texas Southern in the opener and fell 4-1 to Tulane in the day's second match. The Crusaders closed the tournament on a high note, sweeping Jackson State in four straight games.

Valparaiso (48-53) returns to the lanes next weekend at the Central Missouri Women's Invitational in Kansas City, Mo. The three-day event starts on Friday, Mar. 1.