For the first time in program history, the #18 Valpo bowling team recorded an average above 200 in three best-of-seven baker matches on the same day as the Beacons closed out the Columbia 300 Saints Invitational in St. Louis on Sunday. For the day, Valpo posted a 207.8 average over its 19 games.
 
How It Happened

• The Beacons opened bracket play against Quincy Sunday and quickly raced out to a 3-0 lead behind games of 208, 204 and 200. The Hawks took game four, but Valpo slammed the door on the match with a 275 in game five to close the 4-1 win.
• Valpo's 213.8 average in the opening match was the program's fourth-highest average all-time in a best-of-seven baker match.
• The win advanced Valpo into a matchup against #RV Oklahoma Christian, where the Beacons suffered a 4-3 defeat despite averaging 204.1 over the seven games. After dropping the first two games, Valpo got on the board thanks to a 235 in game three. OCU took game four for a 3-1 advantage before the Beacons used games of 224 and 218 to force a decisive seventh game.
• Valpo ended the day with a rematch against Quincy in the 13^th place match. The teams traded wins in the first two games, with the Beacons earning their win with a 204 in the opener. Valpo used games of 210 and 237 in the next two games to extend to a 3-1 lead before the Hawks took the next two to force the seventh game. The Beacons capped the match and the tournament with a 235 for a decisive win to close out the 4-3 victory.
• Valpo posted an average of 207.1 in its second showdown with Quincy Sunday, which ranks 14^th in program history for average in a best-of-seven baker match.
• Remarkably, Sunday's scoring success came despite the Beacons being down two regular bowlers due to injury.

 
Next Up
Valpo (36-27) continues a stretch of three consecutive weekends with tournaments next weekend with a trip across the state line to Lockport, Ill., where Lewis will host the Flyer Classic at Strike & Spare II. The three-day event begins on Friday.