Statesmen Reach Final, Lake on All-Tournament Team at Warhawk Open
Addison, Ill.– Alexis Lake (Sr., Kaysville, Utah, Nursing) was near the top of the standings, while her team made another deep run as the William Penn women’s bowling team claimed the silver at the Warhawk Open Saturday and Sunday.
WPU finished second out of 24 teams in qualifying with 8,581 pins in six regular games and 16 Baker games. Mount Mercy was the top qualifier with 8,659 pins, but was knocked off in the opening round of match play against #8 seed Davenport (Mich.).
On their side of the bracket, the navy and gold took care of #7 seed Wisconsin-Whitewater 2-0 (200-163, 173-168) and then defeated #6 Coe 2-1 (201-190, 203-248, 157-150) to advance to the championship match. Unfortunately, WPU could not stop Davenport from completing its improbable run, falling 2-1 in the finals (181-201, 179-161, 149-166).
Kasey Eaton of Davenport was the top bowler in qualifying, topping the 195-player field with a 214.0 average (1,284 pins).
Lake was not far behind, placing third with 1,227 pins for a 204.5 clip. She scored over 200 on four occasions and posted a high game of 236.
Cydnee Whiteleather (Jr., Lehigh Acres, Fla., Elementary Education) was in the top 25 as well, averaging 182.0 pins to place 25th.
Gabi Evans (Sr., West Liberty, Iowa, Psychology and Sociology) also started all six rounds, recording a 178.0 average during that stretch.
Madison Ross (Sr., Charles City, Iowa, Exercise Science) tallied a 183.6 mark in five games, while Caitlin Radliff (So., Belleville, Ill., Software Engineering) had a 174.8 average in four starts.
Isabel Diaz (So., Kissimmee, Fla., Communications) averaged 183.0 pins in two rounds, while Christy Mottier (Sr., Madison, Wis., Business Management) knocked down 146 pins in her lone game.
“Our ladies continue to impress me,” Head Coach Kirstin Foster said. “The lane conditions were different than what we have seen so far this year, but it did not seem to affect our players. They were patient and diligent with their shot-making.”
“We were upset that we did not walk away with the win, but I believe we will be in the winner’s circle before the end of the season,” Foster added. “Our drive far outweighs the lows and that will get us there.”
Next Up: The Statesmen take a couple weeks off before traveling to Las Vegas, Nev. on December 18-19 to compete in the Glenn Carlson Las Vegas Invitational.
