#13 Valparaiso split its six matches at the Kutztown Invitational Friday afternoon, closing the first day of the three-day competition in Reading, Pa. in ninth place out of the 28 competing teams.

The Crusaders kicked off action at the three-day tournament Friday, contested in four-game baker format, with a standout performance against #11 Saint Francis (N.Y.), downing the Terriers 864-780.  Valpo fell in its next matchup against #12 Vanderbilt, 874-791, and then dropped a heartbreaker in its third match versus St. Peter's, 726-725.

Another tough loss greeted the Crusaders in their fourth match of the day, as Valpo dropped a 891-731 decision to #17 Delaware State.  But a pair of wins closed the day for the Crusaders, as they first defeated #16 Norfolk State 731-691 before defeating #18 Florida A&M by an 802-667 count.

Valparaiso (42-34) returns to action for the second of three days of action Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. CST.