The #17 Valparaiso bowling team posted a 4-1 record on its second day of action Saturday at the Columbia 300 Music City Classic, hosted by Vanderbilt in Smyrna, Tenn.
The Crusaders finished the day in 10th place out of the 23 competing teams, totaling 4,775 pins over their five traditional matches, just 89 pins out of eighth position. Host Vanderbilt sits atop the team standings with 5,237 pins.
Valpo opened Saturday’s action against #10 North Carolina A&T, but suffered a 1081-974 defeat despite a 235 game from fifth-year senior Torrie Decker (Van Wert, Ohio/Van Wert [Robert Morris]). Decker would lead the Crusaders to victory in their next match, however, as the senior rolled a 268 game in a 986-841 win over Howard – tied for the seventh-best single-game total in Valpo history.
Sophomore Alyssa Meade (Chesterfield, Mich./L'Anse Creuse North) paced Valpo in its third match of the day, registering a 226 game as the Crusaders took down Florida A&M, 944-885. Valparaiso picked up its third consecutive win despite none of its five bowlers breaking 187 in its next match, earning an 844-751 win over St. Peter’s. The Crusaders made it four straight wins to close the day as they ended with their best team score, downing #14 St. Francis (N.Y.), 1027-967. Meade led Valpo in the win to finish off Saturday’s action with a 231 game, while junior Katherine Sulaitis (St. Charles, Ill./East) added a 230 effort as well.
Valparaiso (45-57) closes out the Columbia 300 Music City Classic on Sunday.