Wright State women’s bowling team places third at nationals

Excerpt

The Raiders knew they were good – now, everyone else knows too.

“The WSU bowling program is now recognized like the big name schools, and I’m so proud to be a Raider,” senior Shayna Kanemoto said.

The Wright State University women’s bowling team placed third at the Intercollegiate Team Championships at Sun Valley Lanes in Lincoln, Neb. on April 20. Maryland Eastern Shore and Pikeville placed first and second, respectively, in the national collegiate event. It was the Raiders fourth trip to the ITC in the past five seasons.

“We got over the first hurdle, which was to win some matches – not just be happy to be there,” Raiders coach Jeff Fleck said. “We were as good as anyone there and better than some.”

Wright State was in 10th place, out of 16 teams, after 24 games of qualifying. The Raiders made quick work of first round match-play opponent Stephen F. Austin, taking the best-of-seven match 4-1. But second round opponent, McKendree, the No. 2 seed, was far more challenging.

Trailing 3-2, the Raiders found their shot. Wright State rattled off games of 266 and 267 to advance to the third round in dramatic fashion.

“We’ve bowled one game like that but never two in a row,” Fleck said. “We were on fire – that’s what happens in Baker – it was so much fun.”

Pikeville edged out Wright State, 4-3, in the third round but the Raiders bounced back in the consolation bracket with a 4-1 win over Lindenwood. The win set up a rematch against Pikeville in the Final Four and that’s where the Raiders run ended.

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