Numerous Upsets Propel Statesmen to Third-Place Finish at NAIA Nationals

Sterling Heights, Mich.–After an impressive run through match play that included the elimination of numerous top seeds, the William Penn women’s bowling team fell just short of a championship appearance, falling in the consolation semifinals and finishing in third at the NAIA National tournament.

The Statesmen had a tough field to face in Baker play. After the first round, they found themselves as the 10th seed, but advanced to seventh after the conclusion of the next round. They faltered down the stretch, however, and finished as the 12th seeded team among the 12 teams competing.

As the 12 seed, they faced the #5 seed Pikeville in their first matchup of match play. The first match was full of excitement, as the navy and gold evened up the match 1-1 after a one pin victory 214-213, then once again equalized at 2-2 after a huge 256 showing to overcome 236 posted by Pikeville. The Bears had a strong showing with 211 in the final game, but William Penn rose to the challenge once again, turning in a 237 to advance in the winner’s bracket.

Up next was the #4 seed Kansas Wesleyan, which had a bye in the first round of match play from being a top four team in Baker play. WPU made quick work of KWU, taking the first game by a wide margin of 202-145, then took games three and four to continue on.

With two big upsets already on their ledger, the Statesmen were then faced with the #1 seed in the tournament, the Savannah College of Art and Design. In another thriller, William Penn took down the Bees 3-1 to advance to the winner’s bracket semifinals. They captured the first game 202–174 to get things started, and although the Bees posted a 247 in game two, WPU rolled a 258 in response to take a 2-0 lead. SCAD won game three, but in another 10th frame thriller, the Statesmen narrowly edged out the Bees 198-196.

Faced up with Midland in the winner’s bracket semis, the Statesmen received Midland’s best. They had yet another close match, opening up the matchup with a 200-199 win, but took consecutive losses after the Warriors posted scores of 269 and 244. The match went to a fifth game, but Midland posted another huge score of 248 to send William Penn to the consolation bracket.

Now playing in the consolation semifinals, WPU had a rematch with #1 SCAD for the right to play in the championship round. Once again, however, they received the best from their opponent, as SCAD won 3-0 after three impressive games of 236, 257, and 251.

For her efforts as the team’s anchor, Gabi Evans (Jr., West Liberty, Iowa, Psychology and Sociology) was named to the national all-tournament team at the end of the competition.

“I’m proud of everything the team accomplished this season,” said Head Coach Kirstin Foster. “They showed time and time again how much fight they had in them. We had several games where we were behind, but they never gave up and came back for the win. They were relentless and showed everyone that they are a force to be reckoned with.”