Women Finish 13th in Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Ind. — The women’s bowling team of William Penn University was back in action this weekend as they competed in the tier-one Hoosier Classic event. 64 teams were in action and a number of big-name schools were present. Despite some good scores, especially towards the end of the event, the Statesmen came up just short of the knockout rounds. The team finished in 13th with a total pin score of 8,379.
The navy and gold started things off with a solid score of 807 pins knocked down but improved soon thereafter. The second set saw the squad score 1,016 pins and they followed that up with a score of 982 pins. Set number four saw the team put 933 pins down and they came close to matching that in set number five with 928 total pins. WPU saved their best for last, knocking down 1,019 total pins in the sixth set to conclude the opening day of play.
The team entered the baker sets in 19th and did improve in standings. The team collected enough pins to reach 13th but could not crack the top eight, missing out by about 80 pins. Mount Mercy won the women’s tournament after bracket play concluded and the top individual was Mattie Brandos of Robert Morris (Ill.) out of the 419 participants.
Individually for William Penn, Bailey Palmer (Sr., Ottumwa, Iowa, Biology) topped the score sheet. She bowled in six games and posted an average of 202.8, good for 35th. That average topped her season average and her highest game of the tournament was a 235. Abbey Fangman (Jr., Waterloo, Iowa, Human Service and Sociology) was next for the navy and gold as she finished in 63rd. Her average over six games was a 195.7 with a single game high of 212 pins.
Kayla Gifford (Sr., Camanche, Iowa, Biology) was up next with an average of 186.7 over six games. Her highest score was a 226, which ties her season high score. Nicole Craft (Sr., Wakefield, Neb., Sports Management) was right behind her with an average of 185.8 over six games. Her top mark was a 224 in her final game.
Casey Brandau (Jr., Mason City, Iowa, Psychology) rolled four games for WPU, putting up an average of 169.7. She had a high score of 194. Alexis Lake (Fr., Kaysville, Utah, Business Management) rounded out the squad as she played in two games for the Statesmen. She had scores of 183 and 197, good for an average of 190 pins.
“The girls started the day in 21st and were able to grind and climb up to 13,” said head coach Brandon Brooks. “Their condition proved to be challenging as well but they were able to make pretty good shots all day and go around many talented teams. Any time you compete against a field this large and this strong, on conditions that are this challenging, and put yourself in contention, it’s a pretty good weekend. It is now two weeks before we head to Dubuque for the Conference tournament and other post season tournaments after that.”
Next Up: It is down to the playoffs as the team will first compete in the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championships. They will take place Feb. 29 to March 1 in Dubuque.
