The #21 Valpo bowling team opened the 2026 CUSA Championship in Harahan, La. Wednesday afternoon, falling in opening-round action to #1 Jacksonville State.
 
How It Happened

• Tournament action is conducted in the mega-match format, in which teams bowl a traditional team match, followed by a five-game baker match. If the teams are tied 1-1 at the end of the latter match, they bowl a best-of-seven baker match to determine the winner.
• The Beacons were seeded 12^th for the tournament based off RPI entering the week, while Jacksonville State was the top seed.
• The Gamecocks lived up to their national rank in the traditional match to open the mega-match, as all five JSU bowlers posted scores of 236 or better in a 1234-858 defeat for the Beacons.
• It was a better start to the five-game baker match for Valpo, as the Beacons led after the opening game, 230-218.
• Valpo followed with a 214 in the second game, but Jacksonville State posted a 257 to take the lead — a lead it would not relinquish in an eventual 1128-940 final.

 
Next Up
Valpo (50-36) will return to the lanes in the double-elimination tournament Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m. The Beacons will find out their next opponent following the conclusion of Thursday morning's matches.