Gifford on Heart’s First Team, Three Others Claim Second-Squad Nods

William Penn University Athletics

by Wade Steinlage

Oskaloosa–Four members of the William Penn women’s bowling team netted postseason acknowledgement Sunday as they were named to the inaugural all-Heart of America Athletic Conference teams.

Kayla Gifford (Jr., Camanche, Iowa, Biology) garnered a spot on the five-person first team, while Nicole Craft (Jr., Wakefield, Neb., Physical Education), Amber Ovel (Sr., Waterloo, Iowa, Psychology), and Bailey Palmer (Jr., Ottumwa, Iowa, Biology) all earned second-team accolades (also five individuals on the second squad).

The quartet helped William Penn to nine top-10 tournament finishes, headlined by this weekend’s Heart Championships title. The Statesmen will be competing at their 10th-consecutive sectional tournament next weekend with a trip to nationals on the line.

Gifford enters the postseason with a 187.9 pin average in 55 games. She has recorded three top-10 finishes and one top-25 marking. The junior has the highest game of the year for the Statesmen at 276.

With a 185.7 average (high of 231), Craft has bowled in 43 games and has posted two top-10 efforts.

Ovel’s season average is currently at 181.6 (high of 234) in 45 games. She has tallied a pair of top-10 showings and a pair of top-25 finishes.

Palmer has wrapped up regular season action at 178.0 (high of 240) in 52 games. The junior has been in the top 25 on two occasions.

Ashley Lang of Mount Mercy was named Heart Player of the Year, while Cassidy Courey, also of Mount Mercy was chosen as Newcomer of the Year. Grand View’s Melody Felton collected Coach of the Year recognition.