WPU Qualifies for Bracket Action in Las Vegas Opener

William Penn University Athletics

by Wade Steinlage

Las Vegas, Nev.–The Statesmen women’s bowling team reached bracket competition and then nearly pulled off the upset of the tournament as it competed at the Glenn Carlson Las Vegas Invitational Monday and Tuesday.

WPU qualified eighth out of 22 teams with 8,357 pins in nine regular games, while Wichita State (Kan.) led the standings with 9,166 pins.

The navy and gold met up with top-seeded WSU in the first round of bracket play and almost claimed the upset, falling 3-2 (225-202, 190-212, 185-234, 266-204, 202-234). #2 seed Midland (Neb.) eventually earned the bracket title.

Brittney Schnicke of Midland was the best bowler in the 147-player qualifying field with a 231.7 average (2,085 pins).

Kayla Gifford (Jr., Camanche, Iowa, Biology) paced William Penn as she was ninth with a 204.7 average. Amber Ovel (Sr., Waterloo, Iowa, Psychology), at 191.2, and Bailey Palmer (Jr., Ottumwa, Iowa, Biology), at 172.6, also started all nine rounds.

Nicole Craft (Jr., Wakefield, Neb., Physical Education) was next for her squad, averaging 184.5 pins in six games, while Abbey Fangman (So., Waterloo, Iowa, Elementary Education) owned a 172.6 clip in five starts. Kaylee Gerken (Sr., Dubuque, Iowa, Elementary Education), with a 190.5 average in four games, and Jade Klinefelter (Fr., Cedar Rapids, Iowa), with a 169.7 mark in three rounds, also rolled for the Statesmen.

Next Up: William Penn concludes its Las Vegas trip on Wednesday and Thursday by competing in the Las Vegas Collegiate Shoot-Out.