The #19 Valpo bowling team kicked off the 2024 calendar year with a bang Monday, defeating the nation’s top-ranked team in #1 Jacksonville State on the opening day of action from the Stormin’ Blue & White Vegas Classic in Las Vegas.

How It Happened

• Valpo opened the day, contested in the five-game baker format, against Southern and started things off on a winning note, earning a 919-891 victory.
• In the day’s second match slot, the Beacons defeated St. Anselm, 856-745.
• The third match slot Monday brought a matchup against the best in the nation, and the Beacons were up to the task against #1 Jacksonville State, defeating the Gamecocks by a 947-932 final.
• The victory over JSU was the 13^th in program history in a match versus the nation’s top-ranked team and the first since a March 2017 win over then-#1 McKendree.
• Valpo was unable to continue the winning streak over the day’s final two match slots, falling 984-787 to #10 Maryville and getting edged out by #9 Stephen F. Austin, 917-913.
• The Beacons concluded their first day in Las Vegas with a total pinfall of 4,422 pins, good for 14^th place in the 19-team field.

Next Up

Valpo (25-18) continues play at the Stormin’ Blue & White Vegas Classic on Tuesday with five traditional team matches.