Erie, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford bowling team struggled to get started on their second day of competition at the Mercyhurst Invitational but were able to close the event with a victory to secure an 8th-place finish. Brookelyn Garvey proved to be one of the most productive bowlers at the event and was named to the All-Tournament Team.

The Panthers started the day with 4 straight losses in Baker Total Pinfall format. They finished their trip with a 4-3 win in a Baker Supermatch against D'Youville for a final placement position. 

Pitt-Bradford took on Niagara to open the day and fell 726-821. After losing the opening game 141-186, the Panthers battled back to take the lead with a 188-136 win in game two. Unfortunately, they could not hang on to the momentum as they struggled in the third game, and then could not keep up with Niagara late, losing the last two games.

The Panthers' next match was against AMCC foe Penn State Behrend. The Panthers dropped the first two matches by a combined 60 pins and then rallied to win the final three games, they were not able to make up the deficit, ultimately falling to the Lions 713-743. t

Match three saw the Panthers take on Wilmington. The Panthers were overmatched in the round, as Wilmington won all 5 games and posted an impressive score, winning the match 704-981.

The Panthers closed round-robin play with a match against another AMCC team, Mount Aloysius. The Panthers struggled in the contest and finished with their lowest score on the day, losing the match 671-770.

 After the round-robin portion of the event was completed, the Panthers faced D'Youville in the final placement match. In the super match, the Panthers jumped out to a 2-0 lead as they won the first 158-136 and 167-146. After the Saints won game three 157-194, the Panthers were able to put the match on the verge of ending with a 159-154 win in game 4. The Panthers could not close the match early, as D'Youville battled back to force a seventh game, winning game 5 131-198 and game 6 153-178. In the final game, the Panthers were able to emerge victorious, winning 164-137, and clinching an 8th-place finish.

At the end of the event, senior Brookelyn Garvey was recognized as one of 5 bowlers to make the All-Tournament team. She was the only Division III athlete recognized. 

The Panthers will have a month-long layoff before they return to competitive action. Their next event will be on November 4th and 5th, as they head to Buffalo to bowl in the Brunswick Niagara Open.