The #24 Valparaiso University bowling team closed out the Mid-Winter Invitational from Jonesboro, Ark. on Sunday in bracket play, finishing the tournament in 10th place.

How It Happened

• The Crusaders opened bracket play, contested in the best-of-seven baker format, against #9 Monmouth. Valpo took the early lead thanks to a narrow 191-190 win in game one. But Monmouth took the next three games, and while the Crusaders claimed the fifth game, Monmouth closed out the 4-2 win with an effort of 202 in game six.
• Valpo dropped down the bracket following the loss to face Lincoln Memorial. After the squads split the first two games, the Crusaders claimed the next two to go ahead 3-1 before LMU earned a one-pin win in game five. A 191-191 tie in game six ensured Valpo wouldn’t lose in regulation, and the Crusaders earned a four-pin win in the finale to close out a 4-2-1 victory.
• Valpo finished up the tournament against #8 Central Missouri, playing for ninth place. But the Crusaders weren’t able to take advantage of a 136 game from UCM in the opener, only posting a 128 of their own, and the Jennies broke 200 in each of their next two games en route to beating Valpo 4-0.

Next Up

The Crusaders (33-28) will take another month’s break from competition before returning to action as they host the Crusader Classic Feb. 17-19.