The #9 Valparaiso bowling team kicked off the fourth annual Crusader Classic on Friday at Inman's in Valparaiso, finishing the day in seventh place after winning three of its five matches.

Arkansas State ended day one of the three-day event atop the team standings with 5,166 total pins, narrowly ahead of Central Missouri (5,127) and Nebraska (5,099). The Crusaders tallied 4,532 total pins to finish the day in seventh position out of the 10 competing teams.

Valpo opened the day, which was contested in the five-game baker format, against Salem and cruised to the opening victory, winning 875-639. The Crusaders fell to #14 UW-Whitewater in their second match by a score of 1031-856.

Match three saw the Crusaders rebound with a 912-625 win over Cheyney, but a loss to #2 Arkansas State followed by a final of 981-910. Valpo ended the day on a high note, downing Elmhurst 979-897.

Valparaiso (5-8) continues action at its home tournament tomorrow at 9 a.m. at Inman's. Saturday's action will be contested in the traditional team format.