#5 Story of the 2011-2012 Year
William Penn Women’s Athletics
Another lesser-followed program at William Penn–the women’s bowling team–performed at a newsworthy level this past year to break into the top ten at #5.
One could say the Lady Statesmen bowlers started a bit slow last year, but how does one complain about five straight top-ten finishes? Expectations were higher, there is no doubt, but the ladies were just finding their stride. Their luck finally turned around at Christmas in the most unlikely of places–Las Vegas.
A pair of high finishes in Sin City built momentum that continued throughout the rest of the season, culminating in the team’s second Midwest Collegiate Conference title in a row. Qualifying as the top overall seed, William Penn rallied in the quarterfinals and finals to defend its crown.
The Lady Statesmen remained a force the rest of the campaign, knocking off higher-ranked teams at the USBC Sectionals to reach their first-ever USBC Team Championships. They qualified seventh at the Championships, but cooled off in match play to end the season.
Senior Breanne Underwood was named MCC Player of the Year, while junior Samantha Powell joined her on the all-MCC squad.
The Statesmen bowling team was equally impressive, especially in the start, winning consecutive titles to open the campaign.
The men struggled down the stretch, however, getting upset at Sectionals, but were ranked in or near the top ten all year. Junior Sean Rangel was named an All-American by the NAIA and the NCBCA.
