The #21 Valparaiso University bowling team closed out action at its second tournament of the season on Sunday, moving up to finish in 11th place at the FDU New Jersey Jamboree in Elmwood Park, N.J.

How It Happened

• Sunday’s action began with a single five-game baker match to close out the tournament standings and set up the seeding for bracket play. Valpo matched up against #RV Franklin Pierce and jumped out to a 57-pin lead after game one. But despite averaging a 192.2 over the five-game set, the Crusaders dropped a tight decision, as Franklin Pierce posted games of 236 and 225 to close out a 971-961 final.
• Valpo entered bracket play as the 11th seed and faced 10th-seeded #22 Prairie View A&M in best-of-seven baker action. The Panthers jumped out to a 3-1 lead after four games, edging the Crusaders by a total of 15 pins in their three wins, and while Valpo claimed game five, Prairie View A&M closed out a 4-2 win in the sixth game.
• The Crusaders closed out the tournament versus Youngstown State in a back-and-forth contest. Valpo won games one, three and five, but the Penguins responded with wins to even up the match in response to each Crusader victory. Finally, it would be Valpo earning the 4-3 victory with a 176-160 win in the decisive seventh game.

Next Up

The Crusaders (15-7) take next weekend off from competition before returning to action at the UW-Whitewater Warhawk Classic in Kenosha, Wis. The three-day event kicks off Friday, Nov. 11.