Bradford, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford wrapped up the fall portion of their 2024-25 schedule on Saturday when they hosted Penn State-Behrend for three matches at Byllye Lanes in Bradford. The Panthers won the two traditional scoring matches 815-806 and 839-781, but fell in the Baker match 826-776.
The day started with a tight 9-point win for Pitt-Bradford. They were able to edge the Lions 815-806. Mackenzie Gill led the way from the lead position, finishing at 214. Erin Wales bowled a 172, while Brookelyn Garvey finished 5-pins behind at 167. Olivia Shultz posted a 146 and Jaylee Koppenhaver rounded ou the scoring at 116.
The Panthers improved as a team in the 2nd match, posting an 839-781 victory. Garvey took the lead this time, bowling a 209. Gill finished at 179 and Shultz improved her score by 18 pins, posting a 164. Alexis Whitfield stepped in and bowled a 148, while Wales wrapped things up at 139.
The third match of the afternoon moved the teams into the Baker Bowling format with the winner decided by 5-game total pinfall. The Panthers lost the opener 163-171, but opened up a 25 pin lead after a 150-117 win in game two. Their lead was trimmed to 6 with a 175-194 loss in game three and then Pitt-Bradford fell behind with a 149-163 loss in the fourth. The Panthers headed into game 5 needing a 9-pin victory to overcome their deficit, but fell short, losing the game 139-181 and the match 776-826.
Before the match, the Panthers took a few moments to recognize their two seniors, Brookelyn Garvey and Olivia Shultz. Garvey has been the unquestioned leader for the Panthers over the past four years. She was AMCC Newcomer of the Year as a freshman and an all-conference honoree in all three of her previous seasons. Shultz has also been a four-year member of the Panther team. She has continually improved with each season with the Panthers,
The Panthers finish the first half of the season with a 20-29 record. They are tied for 2nd in the conference with a 5-2 mark in the AMCC Round Robin. The Panthers will return to action in the new year, with their first Spring Semester match scheduled for Saturday, January 11th. They will compete in the Greater Pittsburgh Collegiate Classic, in Greensburg, PA.
