The #24 Valparaiso University bowling team finished out the Allstate Sugar Bowl Collegiate Invitational in Kenner, La. on Sunday, winning two of its three matches in bracket play to close the tournament in fifth place.

How It Happened

• Valpo opened bracket play, contested in the best-of-seven baker format, versus Alabama State. The Crusaders had to rally from down two games to one, but did so in style, posting a 200 in game four to even the match and then recording back-to-back games of 221 to take down Alabama State, 4-2.
• The opposite would happen to the Crusaders in their second match on Sunday, taking on #RV Jackson State. Valpo jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead, but the Tigers claimed wins in each of the next four games to send the Crusaders to a 4-2 defeat.
• A rematch with Alabama State for fifth place was on the docket to close the tournament, and Valpo enjoyed a strong finish to the weekend. The Crusaders posted scores of 191 or better in all five games, including a 227 in game three and a 221 in the clincher of a 4-1 victory.
• Valpo’s 206.4 average over the five games in its final match was the seventh-best team average in a best-of-seven baker match in program history.

Next Up

The Crusaders (29-19) will break for the holidays after finishing in the top half of the tournament fields and posting winning records in three of four tournaments this fall. The season continues for Valpo at the Mid-Winter Invitational from Jonesboro, Ark., starting on Friday, Jan. 13.