The #15 Valparaiso bowling team continued action at the Central Missouri Women’s Invitational in Kansas City, Mo. on Saturday, finishing the day in seventh place after splitting four matches.

The Crusaders have tallied a total pinfall of 9,637 pins through the first two days of competition, less than 100 pins out of fifth position.  Nebraska leads the team standings with 10,462 total pins.

Valpo opened action on Saturday against #5 Vanderbilt, but despite averaging nearly 200 per bowler, fell in a tight decision 1013-997.  Redshirt sophomore Alyssa Alvarez (Antioch, Ill./Antioch) led the way against Vandy with a 211, while fifth-year senior Ashley Busiel (Elk Grove Village, Ill./James B. Conant [Harper College]) added a 205 and freshman Katherine Sulaitis (St. Charles, Ill./East) contributed a 203 game.

The Crusaders then nearly handed #3 Nebraska its first loss of the tournament, dropping a 971-943 final to the Cornhuskers.  Alvarez again led Valpo with a 217 in the losing effort, while junior Jill Larson (Merrillville, Ind./Merrillville) rolled a 211.  The Crusaders got into the win column for the first time with a big 1028-837 victory over Louisiana Tech, paced by a 235 from freshman Tedra Tado (Des Plaines, Ill./Elk Grove), along with games of 214 from Alvarez and 211 by Larson.

Valpo had a bye in its fourth match of the game, rolling a team score of 862, led by a 191 from Alvarez.  The Crusaders ended the day on a winning note, defeating #6 UW-Whitewater 1040-974 in the finale.  Busiel rolled Valpo’s high game of the day with a 237, while Larson posted her third 200+ game with a 233 and sophomore Sadie Jasinski (Franklin, Wis./Franklin) chipped in a 206 game.

Valparaiso (53-57) closes out action from Kansas City with bracket play on Sunday morning.