Crusaders Close Hawk Classic in Tenth Place
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Crusaders Close Hawk Classic in Tenth Place
Ashley Busiel and the Crusaders finished in tenth place. (Ray Acevedo)

The #9 Valparaiso bowling team concluded the UMES Hawk Classic in Millsboro, Del. on Sunday, finishing the 18-team tournament in tenth place.

The Crusaders dropped all three matches in bracket play, contested in the best-of-seven baker format, on Sunday. A game of 214 in the opener of the first match of the day wasn't enough to take a lead against #10 Stephen F. Austin, as SFA rolled a 221. Valpo closed to within 2-1, taking game three, 195-188, but the Ladyjacks took the final two games to earn the 4-1 win.

Valpo struggled to find its groove in its final two matches of the tournament, falling 4-0 to both #7 Sacred Heart and #12 Kutztown. The Crusaders' highest game over their last two matches was a 193, while their opponents broke 200 in five of the eight games.

Valparaiso (12-18) returns to the lanes in two weekends, traveling to Huntsville, Texas to compete at the Track Kat Classic. The three-day tournament begins on Friday, Nov. 30.