Exceeding expectations

The Wright State University women’s bowling team continues to build momentum in just its third season as an NCAA Division I program, positioning itself among the nation’s emerging contenders.

This season, the Raiders climbed into the national top 10 rankings, reaching as high as ninth in the coaches poll and earning a ninth-place spot in the NCAA Rating Percentage Index. The team also remained in the conversation for an NCAA Tournament bid deep into the season.

“It’s always crazy to think we’re on a nationally ranked team,” said Emma Hatfield, a junior bowler and elementary education major.

A couple of unfortunate outings in the Conference USA Tournament cut the Raiders’ successful season short.

“They love winning,” said head coach Jeff Fleck, who’s in his 21st season with Wright State’s women’s bowling program. “They have the it factor. They have grit and determination and swagger.”

Fleck said the team has exceeded his expectations and, with a roster full of juniors, should be well prepared for a postseason run next year.

“Seeing from where the program was our freshmen year and how we’ve gotten so much better up until this point, and I’m really excited to see what our senior year holds,” said Hatfield.