The #19 Valpo bowling team got the 2024-25 campaign off to a winning start on Friday at the Penguin Classic in Struthers, Ohio, earning three victories — highlighted by a win over #2 Arkansas State.
 
How It Happened

• The Beacons opened the collegiate head coaching career of John Martin with a bang, facing #2 Arkansas State in the opener and earning an 898-870 victory.
• The win was just the sixth in program history over the nation's second-ranked team and the first since January 2018.
• Valpo also snapped a 29-match losing streak against Arkansas State, beating the Red Wolves for the first time since November 2014.
• Valpo fell in the day's second match slot to #10 Duquesne, 953-841.
• The Beacons rebounded with a 1027-758 win over Walsh, their highest score in a five-game baker match since March 2023.
• Valpo surpassed the 1,000-pin mark again in its next match, but this time it wasn't enough to emerge victorious, as #17 Wichita State earned a 1098-1018 win.
• The Beacons wrapped the day on a positive note, closing action with a 960-796 win over #RV Mercyhurst.
• Valpo ended the day with a total pinfall of 4,744 pins, good for sixth place in the 16-team field.

 
Next Up
Valpo (3-2) continues action at the Penguin Classic on Saturday. The middle day of action gets underway at 8:25 a.m. CT and features five traditional team matches.